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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dungog's population is around 10,295 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 754 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,541 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,905 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 167 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Dungog's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 77.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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

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

Dungog has averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals annually, with 243 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $359,000. Additionally, $6.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Dungog has significantly less development activity (52.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of 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 2,762 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 3.4%, Dungog has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Dungog features a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of only 3.4%. As of December 2025, 4,648 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (59.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.7% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% while employment declined by 0.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dungog. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Dungog's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Dungog SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,630, with an average of $68,458. This is slightly above average nationally, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,116 (median) and $74,523 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Dungog, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 30.3% of locals (3,119 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area'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

Dwelling structure within Dungog, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.3% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Dungog was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 43.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.7%) or rented (15.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,820, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Dungog's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.4% of all households, comprising 30.9% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 469 active transport stops operating within Dungog, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 47 individual routes, collectively providing 1,259 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 283 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 23.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 179 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly exceeds the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,487 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.5 and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 63.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with 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 even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 94.2% of its population born in Australia, 94.6% being citizens, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Dungog is Christianity, which makes up 59.5% of the people. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dungog are Australian, comprising 35.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 30.0%, English, comprising 32.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.6% of Dungog (vs 4.6% regionally), German at 3.6% (vs 3.1%) and Scottish at 7.7% (vs 8.0%).

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

With a median age of 46, Dungog is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.7% to 12.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, Dungog is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 42% (496 people), reaching 1,693 from 1,196.