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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Population
Kurri Kurri - Abermain lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kurri Kurri - Abermain's population is around 23,487 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,856 people from the 2021 Census figure of 20,631. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2025 was 23,407, with an additional 757 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 259 persons per square kilometer. Kurri Kurri - Abermain's growth rate of 13.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the state average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 61.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. These projections forecast significant population increase in Kurri Kurri - Abermain, expecting it to expand by 7,991 persons to reach a total of 31,478 by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall gain of 33.7% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Kurri Kurri - Abermain was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country
Kurri Kurri - Abermain has recorded approximately 212 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1060 homes have been approved. In FY-26, up until now, 88 homes have received approval.
On average, around 3.4 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years. This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, which typically leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $226,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in the area.
This financial year has seen $17.6 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity in Kurri Kurri - Abermain. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Kurri Kurri - Abermain maintains similar levels of development per person, which helps maintain market balance consistent with the broader area. New building activity shows that 78% of dwellings approved are detached houses, while 22% are townhouses or apartments. This preserves the area's low-density nature and emphasizes detached housing, attracting buyers seeking more space. With around 162 people moving to the area for each dwelling approval, Kurri Kurri - Abermain exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Kurri Kurri - Abermain is projected to grow by approximately 7911 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may experience increased competition as the population continues to grow in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kurri Kurri - Abermain
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Kurri Kurri - Abermain has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Weston Public Preschool, Hunter Power Project (Kurri Kurri Power Station), Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline and Storage Project, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. The following list details those most relevant:.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041
The Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041 is a comprehensive framework adopted by Council in June 2023 and endorsed by the NSW Government in September 2024. It manages residential growth to accommodate a projected population increase of 54,800 residents by 2041, requiring approximately 25,200 additional dwellings. The strategy prioritises housing diversity, infill development, and the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, seeking to shift from a 90:10 greenfield-to-infill ratio toward the Hunter Regional Plan target of 20:80 by 2041. Implementation milestones include the Residential Density Guide placed on public exhibition in March 2025, and the East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan endorsed for public exhibition in October 2025, estimating 4,000 new homes for that precinct alone.
Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
A 138 million dollar redevelopment delivering a new two-storey Acute Services Building. Features include an expanded Emergency Department, new operating theatres, day surgery spaces, two inpatient wards with ensuites, medical imaging, a Central Sterilising Services Department, and a modern pharmacy. As of May 2026, foundations are being laid with concrete pouring for the ground floor slab underway. The project includes the demolition of the Drinkwater Building, former View Street Clinic, and engineering workshops to facilitate the new clinical footprint. The hospital remains fully operational throughout works.
Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan
The Structure Plan is a strategic framework adopted by Cessnock City Council to manage rapid urban growth between Kurri Kurri and Maitland. It addresses critical infrastructure needs including the duplication of Main Road (MR195), expansion of the Hunter Water wastewater network, and delivery of new open spaces and community facilities. The plan coordinates development across the Cliftleigh, Heddon Greta, and Avery's Village urban release areas to improve connectivity and liveability in the Hunter region.
Hunter Power Project (Kurri Kurri Power Station)
Snowy Hydro is building a fast start open cycle gas power station at Kurri Kurri with two hydrogen ready turbines (initially up to 15 percent hydrogen blend). Initial capacity is 660 MW, with approvals up to 750 MW. Construction has progressed into testing and commissioning, including first fire of one turbine in July 2025 and initial test output to the grid. Gas supply infrastructure is in place; diesel is available as a backup fuel during commissioning and rare peak events.
Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline (KKLP) and Storage Project
The KKLP is a 21km gas transmission pipeline and 24km larger diameter serpentine pipeline that functions as a storage reservoir. It will connect the Hunter Power Project in Kurri Kurri, NSW, to the existing Sydney to Newcastle pipeline. The project is critical for energy security in the Hunter region. The total investment is approximately A$450 million.
The Loxford Estate
A large-scale residential development featuring 354 approved homesites across 2000 hectares, with 800 hectares designated as environmental conservation land. Award-winning Hunter-based property developers McCloy Group & Stevens Group are delivering this masterplanned community where contemporary living meets wholesome family lifestyle, featuring vibrant public art, playgrounds, and mature street trees.
Hunter Expressway (M15)
A 39.5 km controlled-access expressway linking the M1 Pacific Motorway near Seahampton/Cameron Park to the New England Highway near Branxton, bypassing Maitland and improving safety, connectivity and travel times across the Hunter region. Opened in March 2014 with an estimated cost of about AUD 1.7 billion.
Weston Commercial Centre Masterplan
Masterplan to revitalize the Weston commercial centre through public domain improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, traffic calming, park upgrades, street tree planting, and heritage preservation to encourage redevelopment and community activation.
Employment
Kurri Kurri - Abermain shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia
Kurri Kurri - Abermain has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. As of December 2025, 10,148 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.3%, compared to Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 58.0% versus Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, 13.0% of residents work from home.
Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong mining sector with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence at 1.2%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6%, employment declined by 0.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kurri Kurri - Abermain's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Kurri Kurri - Abermain SA2 has median assessed income of $55,375 and average income of $67,069. This is similar to national averages but higher than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $61,090 (median) and $73,991 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kurri Kurri - Abermain rank modestly, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe in Kurri Kurri - Abermain, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Kurri Kurri - Abermain is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure in Kurri Kurri - Abermain, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 91.1% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, this was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kurri Kurri - Abermain stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 29.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,603, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Kurri Kurri - Abermain was $345, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Kurri Kurri - Abermain has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Kurri Kurri - Abermain faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 9.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 36.3%.
Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis indicates 193 active public transport stops in Kurri Kurri - Abermain, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 49 individual routes, collectively facilitating 693 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 229 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Kurri Kurri - Abermain is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Kurri Kurri - Abermain faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 52% of the total population (~12,236 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 12.2 and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,506 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The latest Census data sees Kurri Kurri - Abermain placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Kurri Kurri - Abermain, surveyed in August 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (93.4%), born in Australia (94.3%), with English as the primary language spoken at home (97.4%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 51.2% of residents.
This figure is lower than Regional NSW's average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.3%), English (31.8%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation in Kurri Kurri - Abermain was higher at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Welsh and Macedonian groups also showed slight overrepresentation at 0.6% and 0.1%, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Kurri Kurri - Abermain's population is younger than the national pattern
The median age of Kurri Kurri - Abermain is 34, which is lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Kurri Kurri - Abermain at 18.0%, compared to the Regional NSW average. Conversely, the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.7% to 18.0% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.9%. During this period, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.7% to 10.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kurri Kurri - Abermain's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand notably, increasing by 1,796 people (43%) from 4,222 to 6,019.