Scone Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Scone Surrounds' population is approximately 8,607, a 413-person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 8,194. This growth represents a 5.0% rise since the Census date and is inferred from ABS estimates in June 2024 and validated new addresses. The population density is around 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Scone Surrounds' growth rate of 5.0% exceeded the SA3 area's 3.3%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.9% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate a population increase just below Australia's regional median to 2041, with Scone Surrounds expected to grow by 754 persons, recording a total gain of 6.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Scone Surrounds, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Scone Surrounds has seen approximately 18 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 93 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident per year per dwelling constructed has been observed between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of these homes is $396,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In this financial year, $24.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW and nationally, Scone Surrounds shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 517 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Scone Surrounds will gain 523 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Scone Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects include Upper Hunter Energy Park, Aberdeen Valley Fair Commercial Development, Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and AGL Pumped Hydro Projects at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Scone Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Scone Surrounds has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, strongly represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%.

As of June 2025, it has 4,077 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 3.4% (0.2% below Rest of NSW's 3.7%), and a workforce participation rate of 59.3%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. The area is particularly specialized in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.8% compared to the regional 16.9%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparison of working population vs resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Scone Surrounds' labour force decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 4.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Scone Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Scone Surrounds' median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $49,222. The average income stood at $69,666 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,429 (median) and $78,451 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Scone Surrounds rank modestly, between the 25th and 30th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 29.5% of the community (2,539 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are modest with 87.5% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally.

Scone Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Scone Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scone Surrounds stood at 44.5%, compared to mortgaged (33.5%) and rented (22.0%) dwellings. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,538. Median weekly rent in Scone Surrounds was $250, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $290. Nationally, Scone Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Scone Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The university qualification rate in the area is 13.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 33.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are nine schools operating within Scone Surrounds, educating approximately 1,208 students. The educational mix consists of seven primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis shows 363 active stops operating within Scone Surrounds, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 47 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,751 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 282 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 250 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

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

Scone Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 54%, covering about 4,682 people.

This compares to a rate of 57.5% across the rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.9% and 9.3% of residents respectively. About 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.4% across the rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 23.4%, with about 2,012 people in this age group, compared to 18.9% in the rest of NSW.

The latest Census data sees Scone Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Scone Surrounds had a cultural diversity level below average, with 90.2% citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 68.2%, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. For ancestry, Australians made up 35.8%, followed by English at 32.5% and Irish at 9.1%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 4.8% (vs regional 6.6%) and Scottish at 8.0% (vs regional 7.3%).

Scone Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Scone Surrounds' median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Scone Surrounds has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.0%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.5% to 7.4%. The 5-14 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.3%, and the 55-64 age group decreased from 14.9% to 13.9%. By 2041, Scone Surrounds' age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 902 people from 636. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 64% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.