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
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Population
Population growth drivers in Redhead are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Redhead's population is around 3,756 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 29 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,785 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,746 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,020 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 51.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 655 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.2% in total 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 around 20 new dwelling approvals each year, with 101 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $511,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.
When measured against the Rest of NSW, Redhead shows moderately higher construction activity (28.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 268 people per approval, Redhead reflects a low density area.
Population forecasts indicate Redhead will gain 645 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Redhead has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oasis Redhead, Redhead Business Park, First Creek Realignment Project, and Redhead Pump Track, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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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 has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,910 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 29.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.
Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.0% alongside labour force increasing by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Redhead. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Redhead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% 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
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Redhead SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,044, with an average of $73,199. This is higher than average nationally, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,275 (median) and $79,684 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Redhead, between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 26.2% of the community (984 individuals), diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. The community displays economic stratification, spanning from 32.8% in modest circumstances to 30.7% in high-earning categories. Housing costs are manageable with 86.7% retained, though disposable income sits 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
Dwelling structure within Redhead, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Redhead was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 57.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (13.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Redhead's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 65.3% of all households, comprising 32.2% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.
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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA3 area (23.5%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (25.9%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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
Public transport analysis reveals 37 active transport stops operating within Redhead, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 116 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A high 29.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,080 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW.
The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 62.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 29.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,097 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Redhead is Christianity, which makes up 55.6% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Redhead are English, comprising 33.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Redhead (vs 0.5% regionally), Macedonian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%), and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Redhead hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
At 47 years, Redhead's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (5.1%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.0% to 13.2% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.0% and the 85+ group dropped from 5.9% to 4.0%. By 2041, Redhead is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 39% (149 people), reaching 537 from 387. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.