Gloucester

An assessment of population growth drivers in Gloucester reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Gloucester's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5,423, indicating an increase of 113 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,310. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,366 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is around 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to expand by 423 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 6.8% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Gloucester according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Gloucester has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 99 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of new dwellings is $328,000.

In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Gloucester has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strong demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 94% detached houses and 6% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 357 people. Population forecasts indicate Gloucester will gain 366 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Gloucester has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Mixed-Use Development Opportunity at 138 Church Street, Stratford Renewable Energy Hub, Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following list details those most 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 3.4%, Gloucester has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gloucester has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. Unemployment rate is 3.4%.

Employment has been stable over the past year. As of September 2025, 2,334 residents are employed while unemployment stands at 3.4%, which is 0.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Gloucester is 51.8%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census data, 18.3% of residents work from home.

Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 3.2 times more locals compared to the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 13.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Labour force levels decreased by 0.2% over the year ending September 2025, with employment declining by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Gloucester SA2 was $39,217 and the average was $48,485 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $42,692 (median) and $52,781 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gloucester fall between the 5th and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 29.5% earning $400-$799 weekly, with 1,599 residents, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500-$2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at only the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Gloucester's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gloucester stood at 55.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.4% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Gloucester was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gloucester features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.9% of all households, including 18.9% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Gloucester faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (32.0%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.4% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gloucester has 257 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 21 routes providing 672 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 180 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%, while 8% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. There is an average service frequency of 96 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 centrepoint.

Gloucester's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Gloucester's health data shows positive outcomes for residents, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is low at 46% (around 2,500 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.5%), with 60.0% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.3% (1,914 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Gloucester's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 91.2% born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.0%), English (33.8%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Gloucester at 5.0% versus the regional average of 4.6%. Macedonian and Samoan representations were lower than regional averages: Macedonian at 0.1% versus 0.4%, and Samoan at 0.1% versus 0.1%.

Gloucester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Gloucester's median age is 55 years, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 18.8%, while those aged 25-34 are smaller at 6.4%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.2% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 150 people (67%) from 223 to 374. The population of residents aged 65 and older is projected to represent 56% of anticipated growth, while those aged 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 are expected to decline in population.