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 was 5,310 as of May 2021. By June 2025, it had increased to 5,379, reflecting a growth of 69 people since the census. This increase is attributed to interstate migration contributing approximately 70.1% of overall population gains during recent periods. As of May 2026, Gloucester's population is around 5,390, indicating an increase of 80 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. AreaSearch projects that by 2041, Gloucester's population will increase by 365 persons, reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total over the 16 years.

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. 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 365 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total over the 16 years.

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. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per year for each new home between FY-21 and FY-25. The average value of new dwellings developed was $328,000.

In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals were recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Gloucester has around 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 comprised 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. By 2041, Gloucester is forecast to gain 354 residents. Current construction levels 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 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may 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 from Hexham to Brisbane. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%. As of December 2025, 2,300 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4% compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 51.0%, lower than Regional NSW's 60.5%. Home-based work is moderate at 18.3%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.2 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (13.4%), and construction. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5% and employment declined by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Gloucester's employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local mix.

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

Gloucester SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $39,217 and an average of $48,485 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,264 (median) and $53,489 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gloucester fall between the 5th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.5% earn $400-$799 weekly (1,590 residents), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500-$2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained, but 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

Gloucester's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Gloucester was $275, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus 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 constitute 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 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's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 32.0%. A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

Gloucester has 257 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These are serviced by 21 routes, providing a total of 672 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with 8% walking. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 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 residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to health data. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results largely matching national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (2,484 people), lower than Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Sixty percent of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces significant health challenges with high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.0% (1,943 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 62.4% of people in Gloucester, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.0%), English (33.8%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.0% in Gloucester versus 4.6% regionally, while Macedonian was lower at 0.1% compared to 0.4%, and Samoan was similar at 0.1%.

Gloucester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Gloucester's median age is 55 years, which is higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 18.3%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 6.6%. 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 increased from 10.5% to 13.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.4% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 85+ age cohort will rise substantially by 156 people (64%), from 244 to 401. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 58% of population growth, while those aged 55-64 and 5-14 are projected to decline in numbers.