Dungog

Population growth drivers in Dungog are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Dungog's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 10,295. This figure represents a growth of 754 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,541. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,905 in June 2024 and an additional 167 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 4.6 persons per square kilometer. Dungog's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the state, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Dungog's top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 3,152 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 26.8% over the 17 years.

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 FY25, a total of 243 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, these dwellings have accommodated around 2.4 new residents.

This consistent demand supports property values, with new homes being constructed at an average cost of $359,000. In the current financial year, there have been $6.2 million worth of commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Dungog has significantly less development activity, 52.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

All new construction in the area has been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 199 people per dwelling approval, Dungog exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dungog is forecasted to gain 2,762 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include 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.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Dungog has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Dungog has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.4%. In comparison to Rest of NSW's 3.8%, Dungog's rate is 0.4% lower.

Workforce participation in Dungog stands at 58.7%, slightly below Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 23.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Dungog shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.7% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5% while employment declined by 2.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dungog's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023. Dungog SA2's median income among taxpayers was $50,630, with an average of $68,458. Nationally, the median was $52,791 and the average was $75,456. Comparing to Rest of NSW, Dungog's median was slightly higher at $52,390, while its average was lower at $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (an increase of 8.86%), current estimates for Dungog would be approximately $55,116 median and $74,523 average as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Dungog ranked modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 30.3% of locals (3,119 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall within this range. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Dungog, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.3% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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. Median weekly rent in Dungog was $300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Dungog's median monthly mortgage repayment was below the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent was substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dungog has 469 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 47 routes, providing a total of 1,259 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 283 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 94%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.9, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 179 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Dungog is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Dungog faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~5,487 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.5% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 63.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to the Rest of NSW figure of 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,393 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 94.2% of its population born in Australia, 94.6% being citizens, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Dungog is Christianity, accounting for 59.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across the rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented in Dungog are Australian (35.5%), English (32.8%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 4.6%, German at 3.6%, and Scottish at 7.7%.

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

Dungog has a median age of 46, which is older than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.0% of Dungog's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.7% to 12.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, Dungog is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 group projected to grow by 42%, reaching 1,693 people from 1,196.