Singleton Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Singleton Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Singleton Surrounds' population was 5,332 as of August 2021. By August 2025, it had increased to around 5,507, a rise of 175 people (3.3%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,480 in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since August 2021. The population density was 1.4 persons per square kilometer as of August 2025. Singleton Surrounds' growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the non-metro area's growth rate of 4.8%. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas and interstate migration also being positive factors.

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, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Singleton Surrounds is expected to increase by 904 persons to reach approximately 6,411 by 2041, a total increase of 15.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Singleton Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Singleton Surrounds has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 70 homes. In FY26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.7 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outpacing supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $468,000.

This year, around $33.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, signifying robust local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Singleton Surrounds exhibits significantly lower building activity, being 75.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Additionally, recent development has exclusively consisted of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 323 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts suggest Singleton Surrounds will gain approximately 877 residents by 2041.

Building activity is currently aligning with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may arise as the population grows.

Singleton Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 121 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the New England Highway Singleton Bypass, the Singleton Centre Redevelopment, Bridgman Ridge Estate Hunterview, and Langham Estate Hunterview. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Singleton Surrounds demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Singleton Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, strongly represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.

As of June 2025, there are 2,842 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is higher at 62.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Mining shows notable concentration with employment levels at 9.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 7.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3% while employment decreased by 4.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 shows employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Singleton Surrounds's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Singleton Surrounds' income level is very high nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Singleton Surrounds' median income among taxpayers is $55,360 and the average income stands at $73,821. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Singleton Surrounds would be approximately $61,228 (median) and $81,646 (average) as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 67th percentile ($2,034 weekly), while personal income sits at the 44th percentile. Distribution data shows that 29.6% of residents (1,630 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Singleton Surrounds demonstrates considerable affluence with 30.4% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Singleton Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 98.9% houses and 1.1% 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 Surrounds was at 41.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (40.5%) or rented (18.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360. Nationally, Singleton Surrounds's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Singleton Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.7% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 13.7%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (38.0%).

Educational participation is high at 30.6%, including primary education (12.4%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (2.4%). Singleton Surrounds has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 115 students, focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 2.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 173 active transport stops in Singleton Surrounds, all bus stops. These are served by 32 routes, offering 240 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is moderate, with residents typically 580 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, about one trip per stop weekly.

Health outcomes in Singleton Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Singleton Surrounds shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to averages. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% (~3,111 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 51.9%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%). 68.1% declare no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has 19.0% aged 65 and over (1,045 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Singleton Surrounds, as per the census data from June 2016, exhibited a lower level of cultural diversity with 89.7% of its residents being Australian citizens, 92.8% having been born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Singleton Surrounds, with 64.2% of people adhering to it, compared to 55.7% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (36.5%), English (30.9%), and Scottish (7.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal, South African, and Maltese ethnicities had higher representations in Singleton Surrounds than regionally, at 5.7%, 0.5%, and 0.5% respectively.

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

Singleton Surrounds' median age is 42 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43, but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that the 55-64 year-old group is particularly prominent, comprising 15.2% of the population, while the 75-84 year-old group is relatively smaller at 5.7%. Between 2021 and the present day, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.4% to 5.7%, and the 65 to 74 age cohort has risen from 10.6% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 year-old group has declined from 15.3% to 13.2%, and the 5 to 14 year-old group has dropped from 14.5% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for Singleton Surrounds indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow by 60%, adding 189 residents to reach a total of 506. In contrast, the number of individuals in the 5 to 14 age range is expected to decrease by 39%.