Scone

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Scone's population is around 6,080 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 45 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,035 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,030 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Scone's 0.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 98.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 198 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Scone has averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals annually, with 93 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed 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 homes are being built at an average value of $384,000. Additionally, $8.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Scone has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Scone shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Scone will gain 148 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Scone 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, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Upper Hunter Energy Park, Aberdeen Valley Fair Commercial Development, AGL Pumped Hydro Projects (Glenbawn and Glennies Creek), and Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), 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.

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 labour market in Scone shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Scone possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. As of December 2025, 3,023 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (63.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in mining, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 5.0 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Scone. 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 Scone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Scone SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,653, with an average of $100,992. This is exceptionally high 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 $58,407 (median) and $109,940 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Scone, between the 37th and 50th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 29.4% of locals (1,787 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses.

Scone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Scone, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.2% houses and 14.8% 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 Scone lagged that of Regional NSW, at 33.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Scone's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.8% of all households, comprising 28.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.9%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 152 active transport stops operating within Scone, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 871 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 124 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (4,341 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,293 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Scone is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Scone was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Scone is Christianity, which makes up 65.7% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Scone are Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, English, comprising 32.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Scone (vs 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 7.9% (vs 8.0%) and Filipino at 1.0% (vs 0.6%).

Scone's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Scone is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 while essentially aligned with Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW, Scone has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (14.9%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (10.6%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.9% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 10.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.3% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Scone's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 27% (118 people), reaching 565 from 446. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.