Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Redhead are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Redhead's population was around 3,756 as of February 2026. This reflected a decrease of 29 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,785 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,746 in June 2024 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,020 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 51.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections were used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth was projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Redhead expected to expand by 655 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.2% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Redhead according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Redhead has averaged approximately 20 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 101 homes. In FY-26, 5 dwellings have been approved so far. The average population growth per dwelling built in Redhead over these five years is 0.4 people per year.
This indicates that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for future population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $511,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals amount to $1.9 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.
Compared to the Rest of NSW, Redhead shows moderately higher construction activity, at 28.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, construction activity has eased recently. New development consists mainly of detached houses (94.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (6.0%), preserving Redhead's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 268 people per approval, Redhead reflects a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Redhead is projected to gain 645 residents by 2041. Construction activity maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Redhead has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact this region: Oasis Redhead, Redhead Business Park, First Creek Realignment Project, and Redhead Pump Track. Details about these key initiatives follow.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion
A significant redevelopment of Lake Macquarie Private Hospital by Ramsay Health Care. The project involves a nine-storey expansion (SSD-38025700) approved in May 2025, which adds 114 inpatient beds to bring the total to nearly 300. Key features include five new operating theatres, a new main entrance on Casey Street, an expanded emergency department with six bays, six day oncology chairs, ten consulting suites, and enhanced critical care and radiology services. The expansion aims to alleviate capacity strain and create a regionally significant health precinct in the Hunter Region. Construction is phased to ensure clinical services continue throughout the build, with overall completion anticipated in 2027.
Tingira Hills Care Community
Tingira Hills Care Community (formerly Opal Hillside) is a major residential aged care facility in the Lake Macquarie region. It offers 120-128 beds across various room types including single en-suite and companion rooms, catering to permanent, respite, dementia, and palliative care needs. The facility features a dedicated Memory Care Neighborhood, a Wellness Centre for rehabilitation, an on-site cafe, hairdressing salon, and a community bus for outings. Architecturally, it was specifically engineered to manage variable founding conditions and ground movement associated with local mine subsidence.
High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Stage 1)
The first stage of Australia's High Speed Rail network involves a 194km dedicated rail line connecting Newcastle to Sydney. The project features trains reaching speeds of 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels, aiming to reduce travel time to approximately one hour. Following the 2025 business case evaluation, the project has moved into a two-year Development Phase focusing on design refinement (to 40% maturity), securing planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The route includes approximately 115km of tunneling and six planned stations: Broadmeadow, Lake Macquarie, Gosford, Sydney Central, Parramatta, and Western Sydney International Airport.
Mount Hutton Precinct Area Plan
A comprehensive planning framework integrated into the Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan (DCP) 2014 to manage the growth of the Mount Hutton town centre. The plan facilitates medium-density housing, enhances pedestrian and transport connectivity, and prioritizes ecological rehabilitation. Recent 2024-2025 updates include the rezoning of strategic sites like 1 Progress Road to E1 Local Centre and city-wide Housing Diversity reforms that permit small-lot housing and a broader range of residential types within the precinct to meet growing migration needs.
Lake Macquarie Square
A sub-regional shopping centre located in Mount Hutton, 14km from Newcastle's CBD. The project, originally a $60 million redevelopment completed in 2019 by Charter Hall, consolidated Lake Macquarie Fair and Mount Hutton Plaza into a single, modern retail destination with approximately 24,000 m2 of prime retail space. The centre is anchored by BIG W, Coles, and Woolworths, with over 70 specialty stores, a medical precinct, childcare, and a 24-hour gym. Revelop acquired the asset in February 2025 for $122.5 million.
Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution
A permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel, the entrance to Lake Macquarie, involving a Beaver 30 dredge vessel and sand transfer system to maintain safe navigation for vessels, with sand pumped to Blacksmiths Beach. The project includes upgrades to the Blacksmiths boat ramp and aims to address ongoing sand accumulation issues.
First Creek Realignment Project
Realignment of First Creek further south at Redhead Beach to reduce scouring of dunes and infrastructure, create a safer flow path, improve emergency and public beach access, and prevent erosion of coastal dunes. The works were undertaken by Lake Macquarie City Council in July 2023 and were expected to take one week to complete.
Newcastle 2040
City of Newcastle's Community Strategic Plan (CSP) setting the shared vision and priorities for the next 10+ years. Originally adopted in 2022 and revised in 2024/25, the updated CSP was endorsed by Council on 15 April 2025. It guides policies, strategies and actions across the LGA and is implemented through the Delivery Program and Operational Plan known as Delivering Newcastle 2040.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Redhead significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide
Redhead's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Employment grew by an estimated 3.3% over the past year.
As of September 2025, 1,929 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 63.5%, similar to the Rest of NSW's 61.5%. A high proportion of residents, 29.0%, worked from home based on Census responses. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force increased by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Redhead's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Redhead SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $59,044 and an average of $73,199. Nationally, the median was $52,390 with an average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,275 (median) and $79,684 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Redhead, between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that 26.2% of individuals earn $400 - 799, differing from the regional dominance of the $1,500 - 2,999 category at 29.9%. Economic stratification ranges from 32.8% in modest circumstances to 30.7% in high-earning categories. Housing costs are manageable with 86.7% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 45th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Redhead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Redhead, as per the latest Census, was 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redhead stood at 57.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 13.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Redhead was $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Redhead's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Redhead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households comprise 65.3% of all households, including 32.2% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households making up 32.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Redhead shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.2%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of SA3 area at 23.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 25.9%.
Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Redhead has 37 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together offer 116 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 149 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Redhead residents commute outward using cars, which remain the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 29%, work from home (this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions).
The service frequency across all routes averages 16 trips per day, which equates to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Redhead's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts
Redhead's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among Redhead residents is somewhat typical of the general population, but higher than the national average for older cohorts.
Private health cover is very high in Redhead, at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,080 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9 and 8.9% of residents respectively, while 62.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Under-65 population in Redhead demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 29.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,097 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Redhead is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Redhead's population showed low cultural diversity with 89.5% born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.6%, similar to Rest of NSW at 55.9%. Top ancestral groups were English (33.1%), Australian (32.3%), and Scottish (9.6%).
Notably, Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Macedonian (0.6% vs 0.4%), and Russian (0.4% vs 0.2%) groups had higher representation in Redhead compared to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Redhead hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Redhead's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and substantially above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 14.9% of the population, compared to the national average of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 5.1%, lower than Rest of NSW's figure. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.0% to 13.2% of Redhead's population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 13.6% to 11.0%, and the 85+ group dropped from 5.9% to 4.0%. By 2041, Redhead's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 39%, reaching 537 people from 387. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to experience population declines.