Singleton

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 17,473 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 455 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,018. The estimated resident population from ABS in June 2024 was 17,447, with an additional 92 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. Singleton's population density is around 137 persons per square kilometer. Since the Census, Singleton has experienced a population growth rate of 2.7%, which is within 2.4 percentage points of the non-metro area's 5.1%. Natural growth accounted for approximately 55.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Singleton's population is expected to increase by approximately 1,996 persons, reflecting a gain of 11.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Singleton recorded approximately 32 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25163 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved in FY-26. On average, 3.2 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $399,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $11.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Singleton has significantly less development activity, 82.0% below the regional average per person. The scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1006 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Singleton to add 1,970 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, Bridgman Ridge Estate, Hunter Gas Pipeline, and Singleton Centre Redevelopment. The following details projects expected to have the 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Singleton has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Singleton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, it has an unemployment rate of 3.6%.

Singleton's residents have a higher employment rate than Rest of NSW: 8,728 are employed while the unemployment rate is lower by 0.2% (3.6% vs. 3.8%). Workforce participation in Singleton is also higher at 64.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include mining, healthcare & social assistance, and public administration & safety.

Mining stands out with an employment share nine times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is relatively under-represented at 9.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Some residents commute for work based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Singleton's labour force decreased by 3.1%, employment declined by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%. By November 25, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, slightly lower than the national rate of 4.3%. Job forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Singleton's employment mix, local jobs are expected to increase by 5.1% in five years and 11.6% in 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 ended June 2022 shows median income in Singleton SA2 was $54,785 and average income was $73,751. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $61,693 (median) and $83,051 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Singleton's household, family, and personal incomes rank at the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 32.5% of Singleton residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (5,678 individuals), aligning with regional trends where 29.9% fall into this earnings band. After accounting for housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Singleton was at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented ones at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,760, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Singleton was $330, slightly lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $340. Nationally, Singleton's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $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 comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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%, significantly lower than 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 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (36.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 74 individual routes, collectively providing 1,580 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 225 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per 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 being somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 56% (~9,872 people) of Singleton's total population has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW.

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

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

Singleton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.3%), and speaking English only at home (95.6%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Singleton, comprising 59.0% of the population, compared to 55.7% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.3%), English (30.7%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than regional averages at 6.1%, while New Zealanders comprise 0.8% and Maori make up 0.6%.

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

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