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, as of August 2025, is approximately 5,507 people. This represents a 3.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,332 people. The increase can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 5,480 in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer. 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%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration 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 employs 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Singleton Surrounds is expected to experience above median population growth, increasing by 904 persons to reach a total of 6,411 by 2041, marking a 15.9% increase 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 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 113 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with an additional three approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 3.7 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $468,000. Additionally, $33.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Singleton Surrounds records markedly lower building activity, approximately 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction to date has comprised detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Singleton Surrounds reflects a low density area, with around 323 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Singleton Surrounds will gain approximately 877 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 117 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include New England Highway - Singleton Bypass, Singleton Centre Redevelopment, Singleton Housing Acceleration Plan, and Alroy Oval Sports Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Singleton Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Singleton Surrounds has an evenly distributed workforce consisting of both white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, there are 2,842 employed residents, with a 1.6% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of NSW's 3.7%. The workforce participation rate is higher at 62.1%, exceeding the regional average of 56.4%. Key industries include mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Mining stands out with employment levels being 9.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.5 workers for every resident. In the period from Jun-24 to Jun-25, labour force decreased by 4.3%, while employment fell by 4.6%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Singleton Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Singleton Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $55,360 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $73,821 during the same period. 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, estimated median income as of March 2025 would be approximately $61,228, with the average being around $81,646. According to the 2021 Census, Singleton Surrounds' household income ranked at the 67th percentile ($2,034 weekly), while personal income was at the 44th percentile. Income distribution data shows that 29.6% of residents (1,630 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Singleton Surrounds demonstrates affluence with 30.4% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Singleton Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per 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 41.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.5% and rented ones at 18.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Singleton Surrounds was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Singleton Surrounds were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 compared to 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 account for the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 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's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (38.0%). Educational participation is high at 30.6%, with 12.4% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Singleton Surrounds has four schools with a combined enrollment of 115 students, all focusing 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 13.1, 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

The analysis indicates 173 active transport stops within Singleton Surrounds. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 32 routes. Together, these provide 240 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average located 580 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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 lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to averages. Private health cover is high at 56%, or approximately 3,111 people, versus 51.9% in Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%). A total of 68.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. Singleton Surrounds has 19.0%, or 1,045 people, aged 65 and over, higher than the 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes are above average, outperforming general population 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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population of 89.7% citizens, 92.8% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 64.2% of the population, compared to 55.7% regionally. Ancestry wise, Australian (36.5%), English (30.9%), and Scottish (7.4%) were the top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.7% vs regional 6.3%), South African (0.5% vs 0.2%), and Maltese (0.5% vs 0.3%) had higher representations in Singleton Surrounds compared to the regional averages.

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

Singleton Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 and older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 (15.2%) are prominent while the 75-84 group is smaller at 5.7% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.4% to 5.7%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.3% to 13.2%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Singleton Surrounds. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 60%, adding 189 residents to reach 506. Meanwhile, numbers in the 5-14 age range are expected to decrease by 39%.