Stockton - Fullerton Cove

Stockton - Fullerton Cove lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Stockton - Fullerton Cove's population is around 9,650 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 826 people (9.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,824 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,542 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 316 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Stockton - Fullerton Cove's 9.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 79.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 5,175 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 52.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Stockton - Fullerton Cove was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Stockton - Fullerton Cove has recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval each year, with 255 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average value of $294,000. Additionally, $7.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Stockton - Fullerton Cove maintains similar construction rates (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New building activity shows 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 263 people per dwelling approval, Stockton - Fullerton Cove shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Stockton - Fullerton Cove will gain 5,067 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Stockton - Fullerton Cove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 34 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Fullerton Cove Shopping Centre, Rifle Range, Fern Bay, Bayway Village, and the Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Stockton - Fullerton Cove remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Stockton - Fullerton Cove has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,346 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.7% of Stockton - Fullerton Cove's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Stockton - Fullerton Cove. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stockton - Fullerton Cove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Stockton - Fullerton Cove SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $59,615 and an average of $72,274 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is higher than average nationally, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,897 (median) and $78,677 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Stockton - Fullerton Cove, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.2% of the community (2,624 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Stockton - Fullerton Cove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Stockton - Fullerton Cove, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Stockton - Fullerton Cove was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 46.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (25.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Stockton - Fullerton Cove's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stockton - Fullerton Cove has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 25.1% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Stockton - Fullerton Cove aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Stockton - Fullerton Cove trail regional benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 91 active transport stops operating within Stockton - Fullerton Cove, comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 39 individual routes, collectively providing 1,425 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 27.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stockton - Fullerton Cove is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Stockton - Fullerton Cove, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,297 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.9% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 60.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,690 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Stockton - Fullerton Cove was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.6% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stockton - Fullerton Cove is Christianity, which makes up 56.5% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stockton - Fullerton Cove are English, comprising 32.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Stockton - Fullerton Cove (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 8.0%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs 4.6%).

Stockton - Fullerton Cove hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 47 years, Stockton - Fullerton Cove's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (10.6%), while the 55 - 64 group is comparatively smaller (10.4%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, a rejuvenation is evident as the median age fell from 48 to 47 years. Key changes show the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 11.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.3% to 14.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.9% to 10.4%. By 2041, Stockton - Fullerton Cove is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 672 people (68%) from 985 to 1,658.