Stockton - Fullerton Cove
Statistical Area - sa2

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 9578 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 754 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8824 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9542 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 313 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Stockton - Fullerton Cove's growth of 8.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (4.8%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 79.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth is predicted over this period, with the area expected to grow by 5175 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 53.6% 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 approximately 51 residential property approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with around 255 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and six approvals so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.5 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year over these five years. This demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically drives up prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new properties is around $551,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, approximately $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Stockton - Fullerton Cove has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market balance with the broader region.

New building activity comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 263 people per approval, Stockton - Fullerton Cove indicates a transitioning market. Population forecasts suggest Stockton - Fullerton Cove will gain approximately 5,139 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Rifle Range, Fern Bay, Fullerton Cove Shopping Centre, Bayway Village, and Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Stockton - Fullerton Cove has been broadly consistent with national averages

Stockton-Fullerton Cove has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 4,337 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags at 50.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training, with a notable concentration in public administration & safety, at 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 0.7% of Stockton-Fullerton Cove's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ due to varying industry-specific projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Stockton-Fullerton Cove has a median taxpayer income of $57,005 and an average income of $69,166 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $63,048 (median) and $76,498 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Stockton-Fullerton Cove rank modestly, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 27.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (2,605 individuals), consistent with regional trends showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. 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

In Stockton - Fullerton Cove, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses made up 89.1% of dwellings, with other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings comprising 10.9%. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stockton - Fullerton Cove stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged properties at 28.2% and rented ones at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent in the area was recorded at $430, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Stockton - Fullerton Cove's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 68.0% of all households, including 25.1% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Stockton-Fullerton Cove has 22.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. The three schools in Stockton-Fullerton Cove have a combined enrollment of 587 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School capacity is limited locally (6.1 places per 100 residents vs the regional average of 15.6), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Stockton-Fullerton Cove operates 81 active public transport stops. These consist of a mix of ferry and bus services. The system is served by 39 individual routes, providing a total of 1,541 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 181 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per 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

Stockton-Fullerton Cove faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~5,143 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 11.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). In contrast, 60.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 28.2% (2,700 people) of Stockton-Fullerton Cove's population is aged 65 and over, higher than the 16.7% recorded in Rest of NSW. The health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, mirroring those seen in the general population's health profile.

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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 88.6% of residents born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.5%, compared to 47.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (9.2%).

Notably, Welsh (1.1%) and Scottish (8.6%) were slightly overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal (3.4%) was nearly equal to the regional average of 3.2%.

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

Stockton-Fullerton Cove's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.1% of the population, while those aged 55-64 comprise 10.7%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased from 48 to 47 years. During this period, the population aged 15-24 grew from 8.6% to 10.8%, while those aged 35-44 increased from 11.7% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 12.9% to 10.7%, and the 65-74 cohort dropped from 17.3% to 15.1%. By 2041, Stockton-Fullerton Cove is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group expected to expand significantly by 704 people (74%), growing from 953 to 1,658.