Area profile · Rest of NSW
Merewether - The Junction has an estimated 15,025 residents, up 3.6% since the 2021 Census, with 103 projects tracked in the area around Merewether - The Junction.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Located 114 kilometres north-northeast from the Sydney CBD, the Merewether - The Junction Statistical Area (Lv2) in NSW, Australia combines picturesque coastal scenery and renowned surfing, swimming, and snorkeling beaches with a vibrant dining and retail village setting. Modern architecture sits comfortably alongside historic character, complemented by popular community festivals and markets. Supported by strong school performance, an established healthcare employment base, outstanding service amenity, and a substantial apartment footprint, the community is both affluent and exceptionally well educated.
Reflecting moderate demographic expansion, AreaSearch projects the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of Merewether - The Junction to reach approximately 15,025 as of August 2026, which is also the latest population estimate date of Aug 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 114 kilometres north-northeast from the Sydney CBD, the Merewether - The Junction Statistical Area (Lv2) in NSW, Australia combines picturesque coastal scenery and renowned surfing, swimming, and snorkeling beaches with a vibrant dining and retail village setting. Modern architecture sits comfortably alongside historic character, complemented by popular community festivals and markets. Supported by strong school performance, an established healthcare employment base, outstanding service amenity, and a substantial apartment footprint, the community is both affluent and exceptionally well educated.
Reflecting moderate demographic expansion, AreaSearch projects the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of Merewether - The Junction to reach approximately 15,025 as of August 2026, which is also the latest population estimate date of Aug 2026.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 13,169 in 2001 and 14,975 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 15,025 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 16.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 27.3%.
Merewether - The Junction ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for amenities and the 86th for income.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Merewether - The Junction is $703 a week, up 5.3% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 21% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 2.3%.
21% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $487 in 2017, $884 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $350 in 2017, $597 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/27 Mitchell Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $655,000 | 8 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 46 Morgan Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $2,300,000 | 6 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 79 Ridge Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $3,200,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 7 Cram Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $2,350,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 3 Parkland Parade, Merewether Heights NSW 2291 | $1,840,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 10 Cedar Crescent, Merewether Heights NSW 2291 | $1,795,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 34 Ridge Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $1,750,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 27 June Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $1,400,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 15 Rowan Crescent, Merewether NSW 2291 | $3,800,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 9/21 Selwyn Street, Merewether NSW 2291 | $730,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 49 residential sales recorded since 11 Aug 2026 (the latest settled 8 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 49, houses and units together, was $1,750,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $703 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 2.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $1.90m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $980k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $1,750,000 | Median of the 49 most recent residential sales, settled 11 Aug 2026 to 8 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $884 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +11.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $597 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +6.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 2.4% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.2% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Newcastle | $652 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Newcastle, over 12 months | +6.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 181 tracked applications: 42 approved, 32 under assessment, 107 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 103 projects in and around Merewether - The Junction, 26 of them under construction.
The Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion is a $137.3 million healthcare facility enhancement delivered by Ramsay Health Care at 3 Sydney Street in Gateshead.
Lingard Private Hospital at Merewether, Newcastle, owned by Healthe Care, is undergoing a $116 million expansion approved by the NSW Government in December 2025 as state significant development.
A joint venture between Third.i Group, ThirdAge Villages, and Dexus Real Estate Partnership, The Merewether Residences is a luxury over-55s retirement community set within the Merewether Golf Club grounds in Newcastle.
Two two-storey residential unit buildings delivering 8 affordable homes (6 x 2-bed and 2 x 1-bed including one adaptable unit) for NSW Land and Housing Corporation. Works included demolition of two existing dwellings, new brick construction, rainwater harvesting, landscaping and on-site bio-detention basin.
Safety upgrades to two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue (at National Park Street and Smith Street) to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
Iris Capital is delivering East End Village, a $1 billion urban renewal project across four city blocks in Newcastle's East End. The precinct combines apartments and retail space. Stage 1 is recorded by the developer as completed in February 2021. The final release comprises five apartment buildings linked by a ground plane, with a Penthouse Collection.
A major redevelopment of the historic former Newcastle Co-Operative Store site into two luxury residential towers reaching 28 and 30 storeys. The project features 352 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.
Multimillion-dollar revitalisation project for Hunter Street's eastern precinct, reinstating it as a traditional high street with new paving, roadway, footpaths, multi-function street lighting, street furniture, landscaping, new public spaces, enhanced pedestrian facilities, and cycleway extensions.
A landmark redevelopment of the historic Dairy Farmers Corner featuring two residential towers of 30 and 25 storeys. The project delivers 191 luxury apartments and five levels of commercial space. It incorporates heritage-listed elements including the iconic glass milk bottle and clock tower into a public art installation.
A major renewal of the Hamilton South public housing estate led by Homes NSW. The project prioritises tenant-led improvements and the formation of a Tenant Leadership Group in partnership with the Hunter Community Alliance, supported by $450,000 in funding over three years starting mid-2025.
Sovereign Park is a residential development of 158 apartments, penthouses and terraced townhomes across four low-rise buildings on a 1.22-hectare site at 11-17 Mosbri Crescent, The Hill, Newcastle, on the former NBN Studios site.
Transforming a 4,125 sqm former heavy rail corridor site into a mixed-use affordable housing development. Delivered in partnership with Home in Place, it features 48 affordable housing units above ground-floor commercial space, complete with a new laneway and commuter cycleway connection.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 36 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 2, 2026 9, 2027 11, 2028 7, 2029 3, 2030 1, 2031 2, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 42 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 181 substantial development applications lodged in and around Merewether - The Junction over the past 5 years, 145 in the last 12 months; 32 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 1, 2022 14, 2023 3, 2024 10, 2025 8, 2026 (to Oct) 145.
Key application 99 Frederick Street, Merewether Commercial | $3.2m Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 181 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 145 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 3.2 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 47 | ABS building approvals | 57th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 42 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 32 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Merewether - The Junction SA2 include: Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion (Approved); Lingard Private Hospital Expansion (Approved); The Merewether Residences (Construction); Gateshead LAHC General Housing Development (Construction); and Parkway Avenue Roundabout Safety Improvements (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Merewether - The Junction SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Transport & Logistics, among others.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Merewether - The Junction when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 area has seen 103 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Merewether - The Junction SA2's current population of 15,025 has been supported by 47 approvals on average over recent years.
The Merewether - The Junction SA2 has seen 3.2 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 315 people in the Merewether - The Junction SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Merewether - The Junction SA2's approval levels have been consistent with the yearly average of 47, showing stable development patterns.
Over the past five years, the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 has grown by approximately 476 people, while 233 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.0 people added for each new dwelling approval. This indicates solid population growth supported by housing development activity.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Merewether - The Junction has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,025 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +3.6% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,073 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 71st percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 14,506 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 519 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 7.25 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Merewether - The Junction SA2 was estimated to be approximately 15,025 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,975 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The merewether - the junction sa2 has added approximately 519 people and shown a 3.58% increase from the 14,506 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is estimated at 2,072 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.5% per annum.
Population growth in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (87.5%), Natural increase (12.5%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 87.5% of overall population gains.
Merewether - The Junction's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 39 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 17.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 15.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 30.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 53.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 40 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 14.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 16.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 9.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 at 39 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 40 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 39 years as at August 2026, Merewether - The Junction is 4 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet comparable to the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 16.5% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 5.3% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (16.5% vs 11.5%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 15.0% of the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 17.4% of the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 86% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $71,771 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 87th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $113,185 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,277 | 2021 Census, weekly | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,091 | 2021 Census, weekly | 85th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 37.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $3,006 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 18.0% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is approximately $76,350. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $71,771.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is approximately $120,406. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $113,185.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is approximately $76,350 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $71,771 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is approximately $120,406 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $113,185 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Merewether - The Junction SA2's households (~27.3% / 1,524 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 27.3% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $2,277/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $3,006/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $1,091/wk.
The Merewether - The Junction SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Merewether - The Junction SA2's median income among taxpayers is $71,771 and the average income stands at $113,185, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $76,350 (median) and $120,406 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $8,503 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The merewether - the junction sa2's disposable income is $8,503 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Merewether - The Junction significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 71.4% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 8,895 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 12,600 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 9,075 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Merewether - The Junction SA2 has approximately 8,895 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 2.0%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 stands at 2.0%, which is 2.2 percentage points below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (22.4% of employment), education & training (11.1%), and professional & technical (10.2%). Other significant employers include accommodation & food and construction.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Merewether - The Junction SA2 has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is 71.4%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The merewether - the junction sa2 shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 22.4% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% across Regional NSW. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The merewether - the junction sa2's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 4.8% decline, ranking 33rd out of 37 regions nationally.
Merewether - The Junction shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 29.8% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 10.3% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 43.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 17.6% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.8% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 27.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 30.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 8.4% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.1% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.0% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
43.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
27.7% of people aged 15 and over in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The merewether - the junction sa2 ranks in the 85th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (29.8%), Certificate (17.6%), Advanced Diploma (10.8%).
30.9% of the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.1% in primary school, 8.0% in secondary school, 8.4% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is 1101, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 6 schools within the Merewether - The Junction SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,873 students.
The merewether - the junction sa2 includes 6 primary schools.
Merewether - The Junction features high concentrations of group households but relatively few single parent families, with a larger average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.5 people | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 27.1% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 30.2% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 27.6% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 7.4% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 6.9% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 5,584 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 5,784 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 66.2% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.4 per family | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Merewether - The Junction SA2 had 5,584 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.6% to an estimated 5,784 households today.
The average household size in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is 2.5 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 66.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (27.1%), group households (6.9%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,697 family households, couples with children account for 30.2% of all households, couples without children at home 27.6%, and single parent families 7.4%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Merewether - The Junction SA2 shows distinct household patterns. The prevalence of shared households suggests a younger demographic or affordability considerations.
Families in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 have an average of 1.4 children, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 44.7% of the adult population are currently married, while 40.5% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 27.1% of all households in the Merewether - The Junction SA2, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 6.9% of households, above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
Merewether - The Junction is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 6.4% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 93.6% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 93.3% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 87.4% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.5% | 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
Merewether - The Junction was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.4% of its population born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Merewether - The Junction was found to be Christianity, which makes up 49.1% of people in Merewether - The Junction. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Merewether - The Junction are English, comprising 31.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Merewether - The Junction (vs 0.5% across Regional NSW), Scottish at 9.2% (vs 8.0%) and Macedonian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).
12.6% of the Merewether - The Junction SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
6.4% of the population in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
1.5% of the Merewether - The Junction SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
93.3% of the Merewether - The Junction SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Merewether - The Junction displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 32.8% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 36.6% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 62.5% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,500 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 88th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 30.7% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 18.7% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $420 | 2021 Census, weekly | 71st percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 18.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 27th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 61st percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Merewether - The Junction SA2, 36.6% of homes are owned outright, 30.7% are owned with a mortgage, and 32.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 62.5% of dwellings in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 are houses.
In the Merewether - The Junction SA2, 18.8% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 18.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 stands at 36.6%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $2,500, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is $1,364, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Merewether - The Junction SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 25.3% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 18.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.3% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 18.4% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 consists of 62.5% detached houses, 18.7% semi-detached dwellings, 18.8% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Merewether - The Junction consumes approximately 13.8% of median household income ($9,859 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Merewether - The Junction show attached dwellings contributing 54% of approvals compared to 38% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 46% of applications versus 62% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health in Merewether - The Junction: private health cover 74.1%, no long-term health condition 70.6%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 74.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 94th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 70.6% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 4.2% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 77.3% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.7% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
Around 74.1% of people in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Merewether - The Junction SA2, 4.2% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
7.4% of people in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.6% of the Merewether - The Junction SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.6% of people in the Merewether - The Junction SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Merewether - The Junction SA2, 74.1% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 69 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 69th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 138 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 84th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,800 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 47th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 109 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 24 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 33.1% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 138 public transport stops within the Merewether - The Junction SA2.
The Merewether - The Junction SA2 has 1,800 weekly trips across 24 routes, averaging 257 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 118 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 346 m away and the nearest school 423 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 138 stops nearby, 1,800 weekly trips, access rating 69 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 97 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 97th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 346 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 423 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 555 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 562 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 569 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 688 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 2.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 5.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 4 long day care centres with 335 places in Merewether - The Junction, about 1.8 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Merewether - The Junction is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Merewether - The Junction.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Merewether - The Junction when compared nationally.
Merewether - The Junction ranks in the 56th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Merewether - The Junction's resilient property market has recorded 275 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 96% residential, 3% commercial and 1% vacant land transactions.
Merewether - The Junction has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
Merewether - The Junction's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 86% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Merewether - The Junction significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide.
Merewether - The Junction shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Merewether - The Junction features high concentrations of group households but relatively few single parent families, with a larger average household size than Regional NSW.
Merewether - The Junction is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Merewether - The Junction displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health in Merewether - The Junction: private health cover 74.1%, no long-term health condition 70.6%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Merewether - The Junction has an estimated 15,025 residents, up 3.6% since the 2021 Census, with 103 projects tracked in the area around Merewether - The Junction.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Merewether - The Junction.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Oct 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (111031228). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Oct 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Merewether - The Junction from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Merewether - The Junction with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
