Dungog
Statistical Area - sa2

Dungog lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Dungog's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 10,152. This figure represents a growth of 611 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,541. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,955 in June 2024 and an additional 132 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4.5 persons per square kilometer. Dungog's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the non-metro area average of 4.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is forecasted to increase by 3,152 persons, recording a gain of 28.6% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dungog among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Dungog has averaged approximately 48 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25243 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $467,000. This financial year has seen $6.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Dungog has significantly less development activity, 52% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. All new construction has been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 199 people per dwelling approval, Dungog shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Dungog will gain approximately 2,905 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Dungog has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include the Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct, Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041, Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program, and Port Stephens Housing Delivery Program. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Dungog has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Dungog has a skilled workforce with a notable construction sector presence and an unemployment rate of 3.6%. As of June 2025, 4,565 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate matching Rest of NSW's 3.7% and participation rate at 58.7%.

Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Dungog has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.8 times the regional level), but lower representation in health care & social assistance (12.7% vs regional average of 16.9%). Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 5.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections for Dungog suggest approximately 5.9% growth over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Dungog. The median income among taxpayers was $47,203 and the average was $62,013. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Dungog are approximately $53,155 (median) and $69,833 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census ranked household, family, and personal incomes in Dungog modestly, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 30.3% of locals (3,076 people) earned $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remained for other expenses. Dungog's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Dungog is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Dungog, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dungog stood at 43.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.7% and rented ones at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Dungog was $300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $340. Nationally, Dungog's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Dungog has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.4% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Dungog fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 32.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.2% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Dungog operates a network of 9 schools educating approximately 1,404 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 963) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has 8 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Dungog has 454 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 47 different routes that together facilitate 1,280 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 282 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 182 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Dungog is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges in Dungog regarding common health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering about 5,136 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (9.1%). Around 63.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. Dungog has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.2%, totaling 2,352 people, compared to the Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dungog are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Dungog placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dungog, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity: 94.2% of its residents were born in Australia, 94.6% were citizens, and 99.0% spoke English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 59.5%. Across Rest of NSW, it was 55.7%.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 35.5%, English 32.8%, and Irish 8.5%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were more prevalent at 4.6% (regional average: 6.3%), Germans at 3.6% (vs 3.2%) and Scots at 7.7% (vs 8.2%).

Dungog hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Dungog's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.1% of Dungog's population, a stronger representation compared to Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up only 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 10.6%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Dungog's age composition is projected to change significantly. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 1,693 people from its current total of 1,208.