Area profile · Rest of NSW
Newcastle - Cooks Hill has an estimated 15,141 residents, up 18.2% since the 2021 Census, with 28 projects tracked in Newcastle - Cooks Hill.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Situated 116 kilometres north-northeast from Sydney CBD, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill Statistical Area (Lv2) presents a dynamic urban setting defined by picturesque streets, historic Victorian architecture, and scenic green spaces. Backed by an estimated resident population (ERP) of 14,632 reported by the ABS as of June 2025 and 787 validated new addresses registered since the 2021 Census, the population of Newcastle - Cooks Hill stands at approximately 15,141 as of Aug 2026. This reflects an addition of 2,336 people (18.2%) since the 12,805 residents counted in 2021, illustrating rapid expansion patterns alongside population density, development activity, and growth drivers that sit well above average benchmarks.
Demographically, the community is anchored by a high proportion of young adults residing primarily in lone person households and group households, contributing to a lower average household size and an above-average renting population.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 116 kilometres north-northeast from Sydney CBD, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill Statistical Area (Lv2) presents a dynamic urban setting defined by picturesque streets, historic Victorian architecture, and scenic green spaces. Backed by an estimated resident population (ERP) of 14,632 reported by the ABS as of June 2025 and 787 validated new addresses registered since the 2021 Census, the population of Newcastle - Cooks Hill stands at approximately 15,141 as of Aug 2026. This reflects an addition of 2,336 people (18.2%) since the 12,805 residents counted in 2021, illustrating rapid expansion patterns alongside population density, development activity, and growth drivers that sit well above average benchmarks.
Demographically, the community is anchored by a high proportion of young adults residing primarily in lone person households and group households, contributing to a lower average household size and an above-average renting population.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 8,459 in 2001 and 14,632 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 15,141 (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, 22%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 32.4%.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks in the 98th percentile nationally for amenities and the 95th for transport & access.
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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill is $700 a week, up 6.3% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 21% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 3.5%.
21% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $440 in 2017, $748 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $420 in 2017, $685 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201/169 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $910,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 112/11 Perkins Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $745,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 107/123 Union Street, Cooks Hill NSW 2300 | $710,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 32 Dawson Street, Cooks Hill NSW 2300 | $1,410,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 75 Railway Street, Cooks Hill NSW 2300 | $1,250,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 29/3 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $840,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 18 Tooke Street, Bar Beach NSW 2300 | $4,110,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 603/489 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $890,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 401/75 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $445,000 | 23 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 2/50 Wolfe Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | $915,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 47 residential sales recorded since 31 Jul 2026 (the latest settled 1 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 47, houses and units together, was $910,000 (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 | $700 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 3.5% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $1.89m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $910k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $910,000 | Median of the 47 most recent residential sales, settled 31 Jul 2026 to 1 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $748 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +4.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $685 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 2.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.7% | 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 363 tracked applications: 125 approved, 49 under assessment, 189 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 28 projects in Newcastle - Cooks Hill (7 under construction) and 66 more in the surrounding area.
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.
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.
City of Newcastle is delivering the centerpiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan: an 8,500m2 regional inclusive playspace known as Livvis Place. The project features four distinct zones including a major waterplay area, a nature-based play zone, and industrial-themed play structures like the nuts and bolts towers and a whale-themed swing set.
High Speed Rail Line 1 is a planned 194km dedicated rail line between Newcastle and Sydney, with trains running up to 320 km/h on surface sections and about 115km of tunnels. Six stations are proposed at Broadmeadow (Newcastle), Lake Macquarie, Gosford, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport.
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.
A five-storey, mid-rise mixed-use development comprising 24 residences, with a bar/restaurant, boutique deli, and gallery space proposed for the ground floor. The site was previously zoned B4 Mixed Use with a 2.5:1 FSR and 14m height limit. A BASIX certificate summary for the mixed-use development was prepared in November 2019.
The Newcastle Offshore Wind project proposes a floating wind farm off Newcastle, NSW, with an expected capacity of up to 10 gigawatts, pending a Scoping Study's results.
A long-term strategic plan to strengthen the University of Newcastle's presence in the CBD. The project involves the development of a new campus with seven new education and student accommodation buildings.
The conversion of an existing historic wool store/machinery shed (built in the 1900s) into the Harris Farm Markets flagship store for Newcastle.
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 State Significant Development proposal by Vivacity Living Pty Ltd for a mixed-use development comprising 114 high-quality residential units and a ground-floor retail area.
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 34 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 7, 2027 10, 2028 8, 2029 2, 2030 1, 2031 2, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 41 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 363 substantial development applications lodged in and around Newcastle - Cooks Hill over the past 5 years, 146 in the last 12 months; 49 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 7, 2022 29, 2023 20, 2024 92, 2025 87, 2026 (to Oct) 128.
Key application 309 King Street, Newcastle West Retail | $190m | 281 dwellings | 15 storeys Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 363 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 146 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 15.7 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 212 | ABS building approvals | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 125 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 49 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
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Infrastructure development impacting the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Ports, Marinas, Fisheries & Aquaculture, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Newcastle - Cooks Hill higher than 92% of real estate markets across the country.
Dwelling approval activity in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 area has seen 533 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's current population of 15,141 has been supported by 212 approvals on average over recent years.
The Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has seen 15.7 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 158 people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 212, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has grown by approximately 1,952 people, while 1,062 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.8 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
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.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,141 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +18.2% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,807 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 90th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +2.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 12,805 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,336 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +3.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 3.98 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 was estimated to be approximately 15,141 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,632 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 has added approximately 2,336 people and shown a 18.24% increase from the 12,805 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is estimated at 3,804 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.6% per annum.
Population growth in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (59.4%), Interstate migration (30.2%), Natural increase (10.4%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 59.4% of overall population gains.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 38 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 40th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 8.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 34.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 59.0% | 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 | 38 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 3.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 5.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 22.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 13.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 11.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 at 38 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 38 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 38 years as at August 2026, Newcastle - Cooks Hill is 5 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and equal to the national Census average.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 22.0% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 5.0% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (22.0% vs 11.5%). The most under-represented age groups are 5-14 year-olds (5.0% vs 11.9%) and 0-4 year-olds (3.4% vs 5.6%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 8.4% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 20.0% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 as at August 2026.
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 72% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $66,307 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 75th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $99,413 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,929 | 2021 Census, weekly | 61st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,149 | 2021 Census, weekly | 88th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 28.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,739 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 19.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $70,537. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $66,307.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $105,756. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $99,413.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $70,537 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,307 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $105,756 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $99,413 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's households (~32.4% / 1,984 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 32.4% 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $1,929/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $2,739/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $1,149/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is among the top percentile nationally, with the median assessed at $66,307 while the average income stands at $99,413. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $55,733 and an average income of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $70,537 (median) and $105,756 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $6,887 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2's disposable income is $6,887 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 72.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 9,416 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 22,941 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 9,821 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has approximately 9,416 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 stands at 4.1%, which is broadly in line with Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (22.2% of employment), professional & technical (12.0%), and education & training (10.9%). Other significant employers include accommodation & food and public administration & safety.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 72.5%, 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 newcastle - cooks hill sa2 shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 12.0% of the local workforce compared to 5.1% across Regional NSW. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.4, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The newcastle - cooks hill sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 4.8% decline, ranking 33rd out of 37 regions nationally.
The educational profile of Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 30.7% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 13.3% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 48.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 16.7% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.4% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 24.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 27.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 12.8% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 4.9% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 4.5% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
48.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
24.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (30.7%), Certificate (16.7%), Postgraduate (13.3%).
27.5% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 4.9% in primary school, 4.5% in secondary school, 12.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 1070, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 8 schools within the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,085 students.
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 includes 2 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, 1 combined school.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 1.9 people | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 40.8% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 12.9% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 29.1% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 6,129 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 7,247 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 49.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.1 per family | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 had 6,129 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 18.2% to an estimated 7,247 households today.
The average household size in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 1.9 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 49.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (40.8%), group households (10.1%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,015 family households, couples with children account for 12.9% of all households, couples without children at home 29.1%, and single parent families 6.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 40.8% (versus 27.9% in Regional NSW). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 49.2% compared to 68.8% in Regional NSW. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have an average of 1.1 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 33.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 49.7% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 40.8% of all households in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, higher than 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 10.1% of households, above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 18.0% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 10.3% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 89.7% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 87.4% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 82.0% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
Newcastle - Cooks Hill was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Newcastle - Cooks Hill, at 39.2% of people, although more residents (56.5%) reported no religion. 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.6% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's 30.0%, and Irish, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.9% of Newcastle - Cooks Hill (vs 8.0% across Regional NSW), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).
18.0% of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
10.3% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
1.8% of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
87.4% of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 54.2% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 26.1% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 63.6% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,169 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 79th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 19.7% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 24.2% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $445 | 2021 Census, weekly | 78th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 23.1% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 71st percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.9% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.9 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 26.1% of homes are owned outright, 19.7% are owned with a mortgage, and 54.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 11.7% of dwellings in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are houses.
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 63.6% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 24.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 stands at 26.1%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $2,169, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $1,472, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 25.9% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 23.1% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.9% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 23.1% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 consists of 11.7% detached houses, 24.2% semi-detached dwellings, 63.6% apartments, and 0.5% other dwelling types.
Housing in Newcastle - Cooks Hill consumes approximately 17.6% of median household income ($8,353 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Newcastle - Cooks Hill show attached dwellings contributing 99% of approvals compared to 88% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 1% of applications versus 12% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Newcastle - Cooks Hill is experiencing exceptional growth in housing density, ranking in the top 10% nationally.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 68.2% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 90th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 68.1% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 74.4% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.1% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
Around 68.2% of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 3.9% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
7.9% of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.5% of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 68.2% 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 high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 95 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 95th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 89 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 68th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 7,059 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 88th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 170 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 44 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.9 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 35.1% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 89 public transport stops within the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2.
The Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has 7,059 weekly trips across 44 routes, averaging 1,008 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 116 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest pharmacy is 287 m away and the nearest child care centre 314 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 89 stops nearby, 7,059 weekly trips, access rating 95 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 98 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 98th percentile nationally |
| Nearest pharmacy | 287 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 314 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 331 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 360 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest school | 361 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 385 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 429 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 479 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 845 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 6.0 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 5 long day care centres with 258 places in Newcastle - Cooks Hill, about 2.0 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Newcastle - Cooks Hill higher than 92% of real estate markets across the country.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks in the 51st percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill's established property market has recorded 534 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 91% residential and 9% commercial transactions.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 72% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
The educational profile of Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport servicing is high 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.
Newcastle - Cooks Hill has an estimated 15,141 residents, up 18.2% since the 2021 Census, with 28 projects tracked in Newcastle - Cooks Hill.
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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill.
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 (111031229). 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill 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 Newcastle - Cooks Hill 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.
