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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 10,243 by November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 702 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,541. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,958 in June 2024 and an additional 167 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4.6 persons per square kilometer. Dungog's 7.4% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.1%) and the state average, 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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 rise of 3,152 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 27.5% 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 FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 243 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, on average, these dwellings have attracted approximately 2.4 new residents.

This consistent demand supports property values, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost value of $467,000. In the current financial year, commercial development approvals amount to $6.2 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Dungog has significantly less development activity, standing at 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 consists of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space, particularly families. With around 199 people per dwelling approval, Dungog exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 2,814 residents through to 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects 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 likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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's workforce is skilled with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.6%.

There were 4,565 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of NSW's 3.7% and a participation rate of 58.7%. Key employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong 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%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3% and employment declined by 5.2%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. 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 rate. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 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's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Dungog SA2 had a median income of $47,203 and an average income of $62,013 among taxpayers. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,155 (median) and $69,833 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Dungog between the 30th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows 30.3% of locals (3,103 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall into this range. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. Dungog's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dungog's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 97.3% houses and 2.6% other dwellings. Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dungog was 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, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Dungog's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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, 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 has university qualification rates of 17.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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 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 accessibility of these transport options is considered good, with residents typically living within 282 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 182 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about two weekly trips per individual 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 for Dungog, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~5,182 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and asthma (9.1%). Notably, 63.3% of Dungog residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 62.6%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.2% (2,373 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 various 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 94.2% of its population born in Australia, 94.6% being citizens, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dungog, accounting for 59.5% of the population, compared to 55.7% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.5%), English (32.8%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (4.6%) and German (3.6%) populations were higher than regional averages of 6.3% and 3.2%, respectively. Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 7.7%.

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 norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.1% of Dungog's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 10.6% of Dungog's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Dungog is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 39%, reaching 1,693 people from 1,218.