Singleton
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Singleton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Singleton's population was approximately 17,475 as of Aug 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 457 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,018. The increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 17,447 in June 2024 and an additional 95 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 137 persons per square kilometer. Singleton's growth rate since the census (2.7%) is within 2.1 percentage points of non-metro areas (4.8%), indicating competitive growth trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 55.4% to recent population gains.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 (base year: 2021) are employed. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest a median growth similar to national non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 1,996 persons by 2041, translating to an 11.3% total gain over the 17-year period.

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

Singleton has recorded around 32 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 163 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, approximately 3.2 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new properties is $714,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached $11.5 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Rest of NSW where Singleton has significantly less development activity, 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The current development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings, with 85.0%, while medium and high-density housing accounts for 15.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1006 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Singleton adding 1968 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include New England Highway - Singleton Bypass, Singleton Centre Redevelopment, Alroy Oval Sports Precinct Redevelopment, and Bridgman Ridge Estate. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Singleton has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Singleton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 8,818 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Singleton is 64.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Mining is particularly specialized, with an employment share 9.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Local commuting patterns suggest some residents work outside Singleton. In the year ending June 2025, Singleton's labour force decreased by 4.5%, employment declined by 5.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%. Statewide in NSW, employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs) with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Singleton suggest local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that income in Singleton is high nationally. The median income is $54,785 and the average income stands at $73,751. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% between financial years 2022 and 2025 (March), current estimates would be approximately $60,592 for median income and $81,569 for average income as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Singleton cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 32.5% of individuals (5,679 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with broader trends across the region at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Singleton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Singleton was recorded at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented dwellings at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,760, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Singleton was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Singleton's median monthly mortgage repayments are lower at $1,760 than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents in Singleton are substantially lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, substantially below NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.5%), certificates (36.1%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, including 11.7% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Singleton has a robust network of six schools educating approximately 3,533 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes three primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. Singleton functions as an education hub with 20.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Singleton has 211 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus stations. These stops are served by 74 unique routes that collectively facilitate 1,580 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 176 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 225 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Singleton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Singleton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but at a higher rate among older cohorts. Approximately 56% (~9,873 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in the rest of NSW. The area has 14.3% (2,491 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 16.9% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges compared to the broader population.

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

Singleton had a lower cultural diversity, with 90.2% citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion, comprising 59.0%, compared to 55.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (30.7%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.1% (vs 6.3% regionally), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Singleton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Singleton has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 years and also significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Singleton at 16.0%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.0% of Singleton's population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.4%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Singleton's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 773 people (28%), from 2,802 to 3,576. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.