Gloucester
Statistical Area - sa2

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 5,422 people. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 5,310 people, marking a rise of 112 individuals (2.1%). The population growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,367 in June 2024 and the addition of 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Gloucester's growth rate of 2.1% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area (3.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Gloucester is expected to experience population growth just below the median of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 423 persons, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% 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 recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 99 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per year per new home between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.6. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, with stable market dynamics.

The average value for developing new dwellings during this period was $328,000. In FY-26, there have been $2.2 million in commercial approvals, 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 among the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties.

Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 357 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Gloucester will gain 367 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. 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 projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Gloucester has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Gloucester has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%. There are 2,357 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Gloucester is significantly lower, at 46.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction are the dominant employment sectors among residents.

The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.2 times higher than the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 13.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Gloucester's employment mix suggest growth of approximately 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

Gloucester's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $37,917, with an average of $47,072. This is lower than the national averages for median ($56,800) and average ($77,100). Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in 2022. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, Gloucester's estimated median income is approximately $42,698 and the average is around $53,008. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gloucester fall between the 6th and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Incomes of $400 - $799 per week are most common, with 29.5% of residents earning within this range. This differs from surrounding regions where incomes of $1,500 - $2,999 per week are prevalent at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.1% income retention, disposable income in Gloucester ranks at the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Gloucester's dwelling structure, 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 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gloucester was 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 $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Gloucester was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3 people.

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 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 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 32.0%.

A total of 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education. The five schools in Gloucester have a combined enrollment of 682 students, serving balanced educational opportunities with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961). Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Gloucester has 23 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 11 routes that facilitate 577 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically residing 1215 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 82 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Gloucester faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,494 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Around 60% report no medical ailments, compared to 57.7% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.3%, or 1,914 people, than the 30.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population health metrics.

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 had 91.2% of its population born in Australia, with 92.1% being citizens and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Gloucester, comprising 62.4%, compared to 57.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34%), English (33.8%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.0% than the regional average of 5.8%. Macedonian and Samoan groups were also present in Gloucester at 0.1% each, while they were not represented regionally.

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 particularly prominent, making up 18.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 6.4%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 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 indicate that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 150 people (67%) from 223 to 374. This demographic aging will result in residents aged 65 and older representing 56% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 5 to 14 and 15 to 24.