Muswellbrook
Statistical Area - sa2

Muswellbrook is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Muswellbrook's population was around 12,617 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 345 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,272 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,612 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Muswellbrook had demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 65.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections anticipated lower quartile growth of regional areas, with Muswellbrook expected to grow by 596 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 4.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Muswellbrook has seen approximately 30 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 154 homes received approvals, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY26. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years was 0.8 people annually.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes is $384,000. In the current financial year, Muswellbrook has recorded $22.2 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating steady investment activity in this sector. Comparatively, Muswellbrook shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person relative to the Rest of NSW.

Nationally, it ranks at the 45th percentile for areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level reflects market maturity and potential development constraints. The majority of new developments in Muswellbrook consist of detached dwellings (96.0%), with a smaller proportion being attached dwellings (4.0%). This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 396 people. Future projections indicate Muswellbrook adding 590 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Muswellbrook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Eastbrook Links Estate, Muswellbrook Solar Farm, Muswellbrook Clean Industries Precinct (MCIP), and Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 3. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Muswellbrook face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Muswellbrook's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 7.5%.

At this time, 5,504 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% above the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stood at 58.9%, comparable to the regional average of 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining is notably dominant with employment levels at 9.2 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 10.4% compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates higher than usual local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, with employment decreasing by 4.2%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Muswellbrook's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 shows Muswellbrook's median income among taxpayers is $54,689, with an average of $70,561. Nationally, the median income is lower at $48,363 and the average is $67,472. In Rest of NSW, the median is $49,459 and the average is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Muswellbrook would be approximately $61,585 (median) and $79,459 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Muswellbrook rank modestly, between the 40th and 42nd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 32.6% of residents (4,113 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Muswellbrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Muswellbrook's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Muswellbrook was at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 39.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,538. Median weekly rent in Muswellbrook was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $290. Nationally, Muswellbrook's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Muswellbrook has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.5% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has educational challenges with university qualification rates at 11.0%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (36.5%).

Educational participation is high at 32.6%, including 13.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. Muswellbrook has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,090 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Muswellbrook has 362 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These are served by 35 distinct routes that facilitate a total of 1,193 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated highly, with residents generally located just 116 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 170 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Muswellbrook is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Muswellbrook faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~6,939 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the 57.5% across Rest of NSW. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.3% each of residents. Around 64.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has 15.1% (1,906 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Muswellbrook is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Muswellbrook, as per the census data on cultural diversity, has a population where 88.3% are citizens, 90.5% were born in Australia, and 94.7% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Muswellbrook, with 58.0% of people identifying as such, compared to 63.9% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (29.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.2%).

Notably, Maori (0.5% vs regional 0.4%), Filipino (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), and Lebanese (0.2% vs regional 0.1%) groups are overrepresented in Muswellbrook compared to the regional averages.

Muswellbrook's population is younger than the national pattern

Muswellbrook's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.2% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.0% of the population. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 14.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Muswellbrook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 66%, adding 415 residents to reach 1,043. This demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 cohorts.