Newcastle - Cooks Hill

SA2

Rest of NSW / Newcastle

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data Sources ABSValuer GeneralRental BoardACARA Newest Aug 2026 · Refreshed ABS QuickStats 111031229 How we calculate this
Chart Color Schemes
Loading map data ...
Statistical Area (SA2) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.

SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).

Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

0 People

est. as @ -- *

ABS ERP | -- people | --

2021 Census | -- people

Land Area
--
Land Area
Population Density
--
Density
Unemployment Rate
--
Unemployment
Development
--
Resi Approvals
Get My Report

Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

The median house price in Newcastle - Cooks Hill is $2.02m, with units at $964k. House values have moved 6.3% a year compounded over five years.

Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.

Median Price
$0
1yr Sales Volume
0
Find a Recent Sale
Type Specified (1) | Limit 50

Sales Detail

Loading rental data…

DemographicsPopulation Growth in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Newcastle - Cooks Hill has an estimated 15,105 residents, up from 12,805 at the 2021 Census — a change of 2,300 people, or 18.0%. Growth has averaged 2.9% a year over five years, faster than 89% of areas nationally. 687 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 59.4% of that increase. That puts 3,795 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

According to calculations by AreaSearch, the population of Newcastle - Cooks Hill stands at approximately 15,105 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,300 residents (18.0%) from the 12,805 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated utilizing the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 14,632 and incorporating 687 validated new addresses established after the Census. The local density reaches 3,795 persons per square kilometer, positioning the suburb in the highest quarter of all locations evaluated nationwide. With an 18.0% expansion rate since the 2021 census, Newcastle - Cooks Hill outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and its broader SA4 region, establishing itself as a primary center of growth.

This upward trajectory was chiefly powered by overseas migration, which represented 59.4% of the overall population rise, though domestic migration and natural increase also made positive contributions. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for SA2 zones. For locations where this dataset is unavailable, SA2 projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are substituted. Projected growth trajectories by age bracket from these sources are extended to cover the years 2032 to 2041. Looking forward, the area is set to experience remarkable population expansion that ranks in the top 10 percent of all non-metropolitan zones in the nation. It is projected to add 6,338 residents by 2041 when measured against the most recent annual ERP data, yielding a total increase of 38.8% over the 16 years.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Total population for the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 was estimated to be approximately 15,105 as at May 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,632 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 changed since 2021?
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 has added approximately 2,300 people and shown a 17.96% increase from the 12,805 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The population density in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is estimated at 3,795 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

1,180 new dwellings have been approved in Newcastle - Cooks Hill over the past five years, an average of 236 a year. That places the area in the 92nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 16 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 203 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 2% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 55, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

An average of 236 residential building approvals have been granted annually in Newcastle - Cooks Hill, representing a cumulative total of 1,180 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 51 approvals have been logged. With an average of 1.6 additional occupants per built dwelling entering the local market annually between FY-21 and FY-25, demand has aligned well with new supply to support balanced market conditions. This metric has recently moved to 0.9 persons per home over the last 2 financial years, pointing to further equilibrium in supply.

Developers are targeting the higher-end sector with premium builds, as evidenced by an average construction value of $496,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $207.4 million during the current financial year, pointing to significant corporate investment locally. Compared against the Rest of NSW, Newcastle - Cooks Hill registers a 214.0% higher volume of residential approvals per capita, offering prospective buyers a broader selection of properties. This building momentum sits well above the nationwide average, demonstrating substantial developer interest. Modern construction is dominated by townhouses and apartments at 98.0%, with standalone houses making up just 2.0% of recent approvals. This concentration of medium and high-density housing presents lower cost barriers to entry, appealing to downsizers, property investors, and first home buyers. Registering approximately 30 people per dwelling approval, Newcastle - Cooks Hill displays the hallmarks of an expanding growth hub. Long-term demographic projections indicate Newcastle - Cooks Hill will add 5,865 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Current rates of residential construction appear to match future demands, supporting a stable housing market devoid of major upward pricing pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 area has seen 954 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's current population of 15,105 has been supported by 236 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's development activity compare to the broader region?
The Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has seen 1.71 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.58 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 30 people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, compared to one for every 192 in the broader region.
Is the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 5,865 people by 2041, around 2,933 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels appear more than sufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This suggests that population growth may exceed trend projections in the coming years, supported by a robust housing supply.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 236, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is expected to grow by 5,865 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 2,933 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Over the past five years, the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has grown by approximately 6,173 people, while 1,180 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 5.2 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 236 approvals per year and a population of 15,105, the market appears to be adequately supplied relative to projected housing demand in recent years, suggesting that developers should have a longer-term approach when considering new projects. With the population expected to increase by 5,865 people by 2041, around 2,933 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels appear more than sufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This suggests that population growth may exceed trend projections in the coming years, supported by a robust housing supply.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Development applications around Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Development approvals is a new addition to AreaSearch. We’re actively expanding council coverage and refining the dataset — details and statuses for some councils may be partial. Check back regularly for the latest pipeline.
Applications
In this area
Est. Value
Where disclosed
Under Assessment
Awaiting determination
Determined
Approved or decided
Approvals pipeline Status, location, timing and project scale
Search

Loading development applications…

Lodged Address Description Type Distance Status

SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

PROFILE FAQ

AreaSearch tracks 26 current infrastructure and development projects inside Newcastle - Cooks Hill, worth an estimated $67.6 billion. A further 71 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $79.2 billion. 26 are already under construction and 31 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and local planning decisions represent primary drivers of neighborhood performance. A total of 53 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential impact on the local area. Among these developments are East End Newcastle, Dairy Farmers Towers, The Store Newcastle, and Pottery Lane Residential Development - Newcastle, with details of the most significant works listed below.

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

INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
All Selected

AI Generated Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 include: East End Newcastle (Construction); Dairy Farmers Towers (Construction); The Store Newcastle (Construction); Pottery Lane Residential Development - Newcastle (Construction); and Sovereign Park | The Hill (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Infrastructure development impacting the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Transport & Logistics, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $68.1 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 vicinity.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
East End Newcastle
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Iris Capital is delivering a $1 billion urban renewal project transforming four city blocks in Newcastle's historic East End. The final phase, comprising Stages 3 and 4, includes five distinct buildings: Lyrique, Kingston, Portline, Gibbs and Moore, and Bluebell. This release adds luxury apartments and a new Italian-inspired public Market Square with approximately 1,731 square metres of retail space. The project integrates heritage preservation of the former David Jones and Municipal buildings with modern resident amenities including a rooftop pool, gym, and hydrotherapy spa.The precinct is designed to reconnect the city with the harbor and is supported by significant public domain upgrades by the City of Newcastle.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

East End Village - Hunter Street Revitalisation
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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. It is being delivered across multiple stages with more than $16 million invested in the initial three phases and an additional $16.7 million in federal funding for the upcoming fourth phase.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Harbour Foreshore Precinct - Foreshore Park Inclusive Playspace
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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. Recent milestones include the February 2026 opening of the Sunnyboy Park kiosk and accessible amenities building. Current construction activities involve concrete pours for the waterplay area, footing installation for the elevated play structures, and offsite fabrication of bespoke heritage-themed equipment.Completion remains on track for late 2026.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Line 1)
Category: Transport & Logistics
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2042
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

High Speed Rail Line 1 will connect Newcastle to Sydney on a new dedicated 194km rail line with trains capable of speeds up to 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels. Around 115km of the route will run through tunnels. The line will reduce travel time between Newcastle and Sydney to around one hour, with Central Coast trips of about 30 minutes. Six stations are proposed at central Newcastle (Broadmeadow), Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast (Gosford), Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport.Following release of the business case in early 2026, the project moved into a two-year Development Phase, with the Australian Government investing a further $230 million for design refinement, environmental and planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The first two major contract packages went to tender in 2026: Area Package 1 (around 35km of twin TBM tunnels, an underground station and associated civil works) and Trains, Systems and Systems Integration (supply of trains, design of all systems, rail depot and operations control centre). The Newcastle to Sydney section is estimated to cost around $61.2 billion by 2039, with a further $32 billion to extend to Western Sydney International Airport by 2042. The project is forecast to support up to 15,000 construction jobs annually at peak and add around $250 billion to the Australian economy over a 50-year appraisal period.

Transport & Logistics

Sovereign Park | The Hill
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   

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. Designed by Marchese Partners with landscaping by Arcadia Landscape Architects, the project includes a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor gym, residents pavilion and about 2000 sq m of green space. Construction commenced in 2023 and was well underway as of January 2026, with slab pours largely complete and vertical construction progressing on Building A and B.The project is being delivered by Stronach Property with construction by MARS Building.

Residential Development

Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Development
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Dev. Application | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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.

Residential Development

59 Darby Street, Cooks Hill Apartments
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Dev. Application | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   

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.

Residential Development

Newcastle Offshore Wind Project
Category: Energy
Stage: Proposed | Est. Comp: 2029
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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.

Energy

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

9,320 residents of Newcastle - Cooks Hill are employed, from a labour force of 9,722. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, with participation at 72.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 22,875, about 151% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The workforce in Newcastle - Cooks Hill is characterized by high levels of education, a strong concentration of professionals, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. There are 9,320 working residents as of March 2026, with unemployment matching the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1% and the labor participation rate reaching an elevated 72.6% compared to the regional average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that 35.1% of local workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic-related lockdowns. The primary employment fields for local residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The local economy displays a marked concentration in professional & technical services, employing a share of the workforce that is 2.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.5% of local employment, compared to 5.3% across the wider region. Recording 1.7 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality serves as a regional employment center, importing labor from surrounding districts and offering more positions than it has working residents. AreaSearch evaluated SALM and ABS data to show that labour force participation fell by 0.4% and employment dropped by 1.9% during the 12 months to March 2026, which pushed the unemployment rate up by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% employment decline and a 0.4% labour force contraction, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia released national employment forecasts from May-25 that provide additional context for anticipating future demand in Newcastle - Cooks Hill. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid onto the local employment structure to project growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies widely across different industry sectors. When these sectoral growth rates are applied to the employment composition of Newcastle - Cooks Hill, local employment is estimated to rise by 7.5% over five years and 15.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
As of March 2026, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has approximately 9,320 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.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of March 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%.
What are the major employment sectors in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
How has employment changed recently in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Over the past year to March 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 rise. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The workforce participation rate in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 72.6%, 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.
Which industries are over-represented in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's employment market?
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 shows notable specialization in professional & technical, which employs 12.0% of the local workforce compared to 5.1% regionally. 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.
What are the employment growth prospects for the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 7.5% over the next five years and 15.2% over ten years. This exceeds the national forecast of 6.6% over five years, suggesting the area's industry composition is well-positioned for future growth. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare nationally?
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 1.7% decline, ranking 21.0st out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Skilled workers will find excellent opportunities in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, with knowledge-intensive sectors comprising 50.4% of local employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (22.2%), professional & technical (12.0%), and education & training (10.9%). With projected employment growth of 7.5% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Median household income in Newcastle - Cooks Hill is $1,929 a week (about $100,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,149 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,510 a year against an average of $98,452. The average runs 55% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

Tax statistics from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that income levels in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are among the highest in the country. Taxpayers in the SA2 recorded a median income of $63,510 and an average income of $98,452, compared to regional averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $70,064 and an average income of $108,612 as of March 2026. Individual earnings are highly ranked at the 88th percentile nationally ($1,149 per week), though household incomes are more modest at the 61st percentile.

Looking at income distributions, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket contains 32.4% of the local population (4,894 residents), which aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 29.9% in this tier. High accommodation costs account for 17.6% of earnings, but strong income levels keep disposable income at the 59th percentile, placing the area in the 8th decile of the SEIFA income index.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $70,064. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $63,510.
What is the average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $108,612. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $98,452.
How does the median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $70,064 compared to $57,797 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $63,510 and $52,390 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is approximately $108,612 compared to $71,945 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $98,452 and $65,215 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~32.4% / 4,894 persons) of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's population is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 32.4% of the population. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 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.
What is the median family income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $2,739/wk.
What is the median personal income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $1,149/wk.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's income rank nationally?
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,510 with the average level standing at $98,452. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,064 (median) and $108,612 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The estimated disposable income in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $6,887 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's disposable income compare to the region?
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2's disposable income is $6,887 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Newcastle - Cooks Hill had 6,129 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 12% detached houses and 64% apartments. 20% are owned with a mortgage, 54% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $445 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,169 a month, a total housing cost higher than 78% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 23.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

The residential landscape of Newcastle - Cooks Hill at the time of the latest Census consisted of 11.7% separate houses and 88.3% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached options, contrasting with Regional NSW where houses comprised 82.6% of dwellings and other options made up 17.4%. The home ownership rate stood at 26.1%, which was lower than the regional average, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (19.7%) or occupied by tenants (54.2%). Median monthly mortgage obligations of $2,169 were notably higher than the regional average of $1,733, while the median weekly rental cost of $445 exceeded the Regional NSW figure of $330.

On a national scale, mortgage commitments in Newcastle - Cooks Hill are elevated compared to the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the countrywide standard of $375.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
What percentage of dwellings in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are houses?
According to the latest data, 11.7% of dwellings in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are apartments or units?
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 63.6% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 24.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Outright home ownership in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 stands at 26.1%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $2,169, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
What is the median weekly rent in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The median weekly rent in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $445, compared to $330 in Regional NSW.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 9.5% of rentals are $0-149/week, 17.0% are $150-349/week, 60.4% are $350-649/week, 11.4% are $650-949/week, and 1.7% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is $1,472, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
How crowded are homes in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.9% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% regionally), while renters spend 23.1% of income on rent (vs 23.0% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Factoring in the ownership distribution, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,472. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $2,169/month, and renters paying $1,927/month.
How affordable is housing in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 relative to local incomes?
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.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Newcastle - Cooks Hill counted 6,129 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 7,230 today, averaging 1.9 people each. 13% are couples with children, fewer than in 96% of areas nationally, against 29% couples without children. 41% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Families make up 49.2% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 12.9%, couples without children at 29.1%, and single-parent households at 6.2%. The remaining 50.8% is comprised of non-family households, with single-person households representing 40.8% and group households accounting for 10.1% of the total. Reflecting these dynamics, the median household size is 1.9 occupants, compared to the regional average of 2.4.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
As of the 2021 Census, the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 had 6,129 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 18.0% to an estimated 7,230 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median 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.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 49.2% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (40.8%), group households (10.1%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 3,015 family households, 12.9% are couples with children, 29.1% are couples without children at home, and 6.2% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to regional household patterns?
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% regionally). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 49.2% compared to the regional 68.8%. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
What is the average family size?
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.
What are the marriage patterns in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 40.8% of all households in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, higher than the regional average of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 10.1% of households, well below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
Loading household composition data...

EducationSchools & Education in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

48.0% of adults in Newcastle - Cooks Hill hold a university qualification, including 30.7% with a bachelor degree and 13.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 16.7% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 3,085 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,070 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

Residents of Newcastle - Cooks Hill achieve education levels that greatly exceed wider regional standards, with 48.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary qualification prepares the local population for professional opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are held by 30.7% of residents, postgraduate degrees by 13.3%, and graduate diplomas by 4.0%. Vocational training is also well represented, with 27.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (16.7%).

Enrolment in education is strong, with 27.5% of the local population actively participating in academic courses. This student group is comprised of 12.8% in higher education, 4.9% in primary schools, and 4.5% attending secondary institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have university qualifications?
48.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have no formal qualifications?
24.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% regionally.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's education level compare to national averages?
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The most common qualifications in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (30.7%), Certificate (16.7%), Postgraduate (13.3%).
What proportion of the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's population is currently attending educational institutions?
27.5% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, with 4.9% in primary school, 4.5% in secondary school, 12.8% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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).
How many schools are located within the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
There are 8 schools within the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,085 students.
What types of schools are available in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The newcastle - cooks hill sa2 includes 2 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, 1 combined school.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

PROFILE FAQ
Explore the surrounds Search this catchment for any place type — schools, cafés, supermarkets, transport — and drop your own custom points on the map.
Open

Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Public transport in Newcastle - Cooks Hill reaches 89 stops on 43 routes, timetabled for about 6,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 120 m from its nearest stop. Trams carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.9 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

Public transport services in Newcastle - Cooks Hill include 89 active transit stops encompassing ferry, light rail, and bus routes. These stops accommodate 43 distinct transit lines that combine to offer 6,650 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is highly rated, with the average distance from a home to the nearest stop standing at 116 meters. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb for work, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 75%, followed by walking at 15% and cycling at 3%. Households own an average of 0.9 vehicles, which is lower than the regional standard.

A high proportion of residents, 35.1%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions. Transit services average 950 trips daily across all local routes, which translates to approximately 74 weekly departures per transit stop.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Newcastle - Cooks Hill?
There are 89 public transport stops within the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2.
How frequent are the transport services in Newcastle - Cooks Hill?
the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 has 6,650 weekly trips across 43 routes, averaging 950 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Newcastle - Cooks Hill?
On average, residential properties are 116 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

68.1% of residents in Newcastle - Cooks Hill report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 80% of areas nationally. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 70.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

Health assessments in Newcastle - Cooks Hill indicate excellent outcomes, with low mortality rates and a minimal incidence of chronic illness across all age categories. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing approximately 70% of residents (10,633 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%. Mental health concerns and asthma represent the most frequent medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.1% of the population reported no chronic health issues, exceeding the 63.3% rate in Regional NSW. Health status among the working-age cohort is consistent with typical benchmarks.

Residents aged 65 and over account for 19.2% of the population (2,895 people), which is below the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Seniors in the area enjoy positive health outcomes, with national health rankings matching those of the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have private health insurance?
Around 70.4% of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 51.9% in the broader region of Regional NSW.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 3.9% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
Diabetes affects 2.6% of the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population, while in the surrounding region, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
3.5% of people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 have heart disease. Across the region of Regional NSW, 4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2, 70.4% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 51.9%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Newcastle - Cooks Hill is largely Australian-born, at 82.0% of residents, with 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.9%) and Australian (22.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Newcastle - Cooks Hill is below average, with citizenship at 87.4%, Australian-born residents at 82.0%, and monolingual English speakers at 89.7% of the population. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 39.2% of local residents. The most distinct religious divergence is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population compared to the Regional NSW average of 0.1%. Regarding parental origins, the most common ancestries in Newcastle - Cooks Hill are English at 30.9%, Australian at 22.6% (which is lower than the regional rate of 30.0%), and Irish at 11.2%.

There are also distinct variations in several other ethnic backgrounds, with Scottish ancestry overrepresented at 9.9% of the population (compared to 8.0% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.5%).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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.
What is the most common religion in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The main religion in Newcastle - Cooks Hill was found to be Christianity, which makes up 39.2% of people in Newcastle - Cooks Hill. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.
What are the top countries of origin in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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 the regional average of 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% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
18.0% of the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% regionally.
What percentage of the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population speaks a language other than English at home?
10.3% of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in the wider region.
How many people in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 identify as Australian Aboriginal?
1.8% of the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
87.4% of the the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

The median resident of Newcastle - Cooks Hill is 38. 35.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

The median age in Newcastle - Cooks Hill is 38, matching the national median but sitting below the Regional NSW median of 43. Young adults aged 25 - 34 represent 22.4% of the population, whereas children aged 5 - 14 make up only 4.9%. This young adult segment is considerably larger than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 5.1% to 6.3% of the population. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 decreased from 6.2% to 4.9% and adults aged 45 to 54 dropped from 12.3% to 11.1%.

Demographic projections suggest the age distribution will change substantially by 2041, led by a 50% expansion of the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is expected to rise from 3,385 to 5,075 individuals (an increase of 1,689 people).

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
According to the latest data, the median age in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 38 years.
How does the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2's median age compare to broader areas?
At 38 years, Newcastle - Cooks Hill is 5 years younger than the Regional NSW average (43 years) and equal to the national average.
What age groups are over-represented in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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 22.4% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
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 4.9% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
Yes, certain age groups in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 show significant variance compared to the Regional NSW region. The most over-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (22.4% vs 11.4%). The most under-represented age groups are 5-14 year-olds (4.9% vs 11.9%) and 85+ year-olds (1.8% vs 2.9%).
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The percentage of children aged 0-14 years in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 8.5%.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2?
The percentage of people aged 65 and over in the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 is 19.2%.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Newcastle - Cooks Hill

Data currency Refreshed

9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026.
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Aug 2026 this month all 26 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 687 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (12,805 at the 2021 Census → 15,105 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

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.

Common questions about this page

Why can the Newcastle - Cooks Hill SA2 boundary differ from the suburb boundary?
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (e.g., 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.
Where does the data on this Newcastle - Cooks Hill page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, 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.
Is the Newcastle - Cooks Hill data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (Jun 2026), property sales & rents (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to May 2026), age profile (to May 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Aug 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

Nearby Areas