Scone Surrounds

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

Scone Surrounds' population is around 8,515 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 321 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,194 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,376 in June 2024 and an additional 192 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Scone Surrounds' growth rate of 3.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.0%. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 754 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.2% in total over the 17-year period.

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 around 18 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 93 homes. As of FY26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident per year per dwelling constructed has been observed between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth. The average construction cost value for new homes is $396,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $24.7 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW and nationally, Scone Surrounds shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed, indicating limited buyer options but 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. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 517 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Scone Surrounds will gain 615 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is reasonable and maintaining with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

Scone Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely to affect the area. 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 3.3%, Scone Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Scone Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.3%. In that month, 4,093 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.7 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.8% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.7% while employment declined by 2.7%, leaving unemployment unchanged. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, a labour force decline of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 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, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Scone Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Scone Surrounds SA2 was $51,082 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $72,012 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $55,608 (median) and $78,392 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Scone Surrounds rank modestly, between the 25th and 29th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 29.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with broader trends across metropolitan regions showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 87.5% of income retained after housing expenses. 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 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scone Surrounds stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged properties at 33.5% and rented ones at 22%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Scone Surrounds averaged $250 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching 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 area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 33.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

The transport analysis indicates that there are 376 active transport stops operating within Scone Surrounds. These include a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 47 individual routes which together facilitate 1,554 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located approximately 301 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 89%, with walking accounting for 8% of journeys.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 16.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages approximately 222 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 55% of the total population (~4674 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and asthma (9.3%), while 65.6% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2033 people), with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 low cultural diversity, with 90.2% citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 68.2%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.8%), English (32.5%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.8% versus 4.6% regionally, and Scottish representation remained similar at 8.0%.

Scone Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Scone Surrounds' median age is 44 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Scone Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 6.5% to 7.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 12.5% to 11.1%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, Scone Surrounds is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 902 people from the current 652. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 58% of the population increase. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.