Gloucester

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gloucester's population is around 5,425 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 115 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,310 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,366 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilizing 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 423 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gloucester has recorded around 19 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 99 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $328,000. There have also been $2.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Gloucester has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while 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 count of 357 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Gloucester will gain 364 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mixed-Use Development Opportunity at 138 Church Street, the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub, the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, and the Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, 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 3.5%, Gloucester has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gloucester features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.5%. As of December 2025, 2,300 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 13.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5% while employment declined by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a 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 Gloucester. 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 Gloucester's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Gloucester SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $39,217 and an average of $48,485 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $42,692 (median) and $52,781 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Gloucester all fall between the 5th and 7th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 29.5% earning $400 - 799 weekly (1,600 residents), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Gloucester, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.8% houses and 6.2% 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 Gloucester was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 55.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.4%) or rented (21.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $275, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 66.9% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.9%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (32.0%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 257 active transport stops operating within Gloucester, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 672 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 18.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 96 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.

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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Gloucester residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,500 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 60.0% 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 35.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,922 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gloucester is Christianity, which makes up 62.4% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gloucester are Australian, comprising 34.0% of the population, English, comprising 33.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.0% of Gloucester (vs 4.6% regionally), Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.4%) and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).

Gloucester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 55 years, Gloucester's median age is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (18.5%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (6.6%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Gloucester's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 146 people (65%) from 227 to 374. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.