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 was around 5,414 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This showed an increase of 104 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,310. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,366 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Gloucester's growth rate of 2.0% since the census was within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's 3.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 used NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group were 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 6.9% 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 18 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, around 92 dwellings were approved, with one approval so far in FY26. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand, fostering stable market dynamics.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $363,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have been approximately $2.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to other areas. Relative to Rest of NSW, Gloucester shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice.

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 count of 357 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Gloucester adding approximately 375 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Gloucester has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region. Key projects are Stratford Renewable Energy Hub, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Hunter Gas Pipeline, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Gloucester has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

Unemployment rate is 3.2% and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 1.0%. As of June 2025, 2,357 residents are employed while unemployment rate is 0.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 46.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a significantly higher share of residents than the regional level, while health care & social assistance is lower at 13.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0% and labour force increased by 0.7%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with a rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National unemployment rate is 4.5% and national employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth projections suggest approximately 5.5%% over five years and 12.0% over ten years for Gloucester based on its current employment mix.

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

Gloucester's median taxpayer income was $37,917 and average income was $47,072 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average of $58,696 (median) and $72,029 (average). In March 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $41,936 (median) and $52,062 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gloucester ranked between the 6th and 8th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprised 29.5% of residents earning between $400 - $799 weekly. In contrast, the surrounding region had a larger proportion (29.9%) earning between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.1% income retention, Gloucester's total disposable income ranked 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 is compared 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 dwellings at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Gloucester was recorded at $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% composed of couples with children, 37.3% consisting of couples without children, and 10.0% headed by single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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 most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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 pursuing formal education, including 9.4% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Gloucester's five schools have a combined enrollment of 682 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961) offering balanced educational opportunities. 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

Public transport analysis shows 23 active stops operating within Gloucester. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 11 individual routes, providing a total of 577 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located at an average distance of 1215 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.5%). While 60% report being free from medical ailments, this is slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 57.7%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (35.3%, or 1911 people), compared to the Rest of NSW at 30.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in 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's population, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly born in Australia, with 91.2% falling into this category. This figure is lower than the national average. The majority of its residents are also Australian citizens, standing at 92.1%, and English is spoken exclusively at home by 98.1%.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Gloucester, accounting for 62.4% of the population. This proportion is higher than that of the Rest of NSW region, which stands at 57.6%. The ancestry of Gloucester's residents is largely Australian, with this group comprising 34.0% of the population. English ancestry follows closely behind at 33.8%, and Scottish ancestry makes up a further 9.6%. However, there are notable disparities in the representation of certain ethnic groups when compared to regional averages. Notably, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is overrepresented in Gloucester, making up 5.0% of its population compared to 5.8% regionally. Similarly, Macedonian and Samoan ancestries, which typically have negligible representation, are present at 0.1% each in Gloucester.

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 65-74 year-olds are particularly prominent at 18.8%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 6.4% compared to the Rest of NSW. This 65-74 concentration is above 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 will rise substantially, expanding by 150 people (68%) from 223 to 374. The population is expected to age further, with residents aged 65 and older representing 56% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.