Scone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Scone's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is 6,091 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 56 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,035. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,031 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer. Scone's growth rate of 0.9% since the census places it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth in regional areas nationwide, with Scone expected to increase by 198 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, recording a gain of 2.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Scone has averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 93 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. This averages out to around 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $384,000. In the current financial year, $8.6 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Scone has similar development levels per capita, suggesting market stability and alignment with regional trends. However, these development levels are below the national average, which could reflect the area's maturity or potential planning constraints.

The new development in Scone consists mainly of standalone homes, making up 86% of approvals, with the remaining 14% being medium to high-density housing. This preserves the area's low-density nature and caters to space-seeking buyers. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Scone exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Scone will gain approximately 137 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Scone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Upper Hunter Energy Park, Aberdeen Valley Fair Commercial Development, AGL Pumped Hydro Projects at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek, and Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are key initiatives. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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.

The employment environment in Scone shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Scone's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Scone is 2.2%.

In June 2025, 3,026 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Scone is 62.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in mining, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Mining employment share is 5.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is at 10.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Scone's labour force decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In Rest of NSW, employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) suggest national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Scone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Scone's median income among taxpayers is $51,552. The average income in Scone during this period was $97,090. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest Scone's median income is approximately $58,053 and the average is around $109,333 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Scone rank modestly, between the 37th and 50th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 29.4% of locals (1,790 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenditures.

Scone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Scone, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scone was at 33.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Scone was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,538. Median weekly rent in Scone was recorded at $290, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, Scone's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Scone has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households at 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Scone fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high at 28.9%, including primary education (11.3%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.0%). Scone's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,489 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 24.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Scone shows that there are currently 156 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 23 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 872 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 166 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 124 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Scone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Scone faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (4,251 people), compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 8.4% of residents respectively.

67.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.4% across Rest of NSW. As of 2019, 21.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,282 people), which is higher than the 18.9% in Rest of NSW. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

Scone ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Scone's cultural diversity is below average, with 87.8% citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 65.7%, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups are Australian (32.4%), English (32.0%), and Irish (8.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than regional average, at 4.8% versus 6.6%. Scottish representation is also higher, at 7.9% compared to 7.3%, while Filipino representation is lower regionally, at 1.0% versus 0.7%.

Scone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Scone is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Relative to Rest of NSW, Scone has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (10.8%). According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the age group of 35 to 44 years grew from 12.8% to 14.7% of Scone's population, while the age group of 65 to 74 years increased from 9.5% to 10.6%. Conversely, the age group of 45 to 54 years declined from 12.2% to 10.5%, and the age group of 5 to 14 years dropped from 14.3% to 13.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Scone's age structure. The age group of 75 to 84 years is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 565 people from 439. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 45 to 54 years and 5 to 14 years are projected to see reduced numbers.