Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Toronto - Awaba reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
According to research by AreaSearch, Toronto - Awaba has a population of approximately 14,112 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 151 residents (1.1%) from the 13,961 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 14,088 combined with 67 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The population level results in a density of 323 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential capacity for subsequent growth. The primary driver of population gains in recent times was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 89.7% of the total increase.
AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia forecasts published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions excluded from this dataset, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth projections by age category from these sources are applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking at future population trends, growth is projected to occur at a rate slightly below the median for regional locations nationwide, with the region forecast to gain 1,649 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing an overall expansion of 11.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Toronto - Awaba, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Toronto - Awaba records approximately 46 residential building approvals annually, with 231 dwellings approved over the previous 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 45 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. An average of 0.7 persons moved to the district for every new home constructed during the past 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting supply matches or exceeds demand, offering buyers more choices and allowing for population growth beyond projected numbers, with new residential projects averaging a construction value of $326,000. Furthermore, $5.3 million in commercial building approvals have been registered during this financial year, which highlights the predominantly residential profile of the area.
Relative to the Rest of NSW, new building approvals in Toronto - Awaba are significantly lower (63.0% below the regional per capita average). This constrained supply pipeline typically provides upward pressure on the demand and value of pre-existing homes. This volume of construction is also below the national average, indicating a mature market and potential planning barriers. Recent building approvals consist of 65.0% standalone houses and 35.0% multi-unit dwellings, indicating a growing proportion of medium-density choices that offer diverse options across different price points, ranging from traditional family residences to more affordable smaller properties. This marks a clear departure from the current housing stock (where houses make up 84.0%), pointing to a decline in vacant land for development, shifting lifestyle preferences, and a demand for more varied, cost-effective residential options. The ratio of 741 people in the area per approved dwelling highlights a quiet development environment with minimal construction activity.
Future forecasts indicate that Toronto - Awaba will add 1,625 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Although construction activity is tracking in line with growth expectations, purchasers could face increased competition as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Toronto - Awaba
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Toronto - Awaba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Developments in local infrastructure, major construction works, and planning policies play a major role in shaping an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that are expected to influence the locality. Key initiatives include the Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation, the Mixed Use Development at 114-120 Cary Street, the Apartment Development at 136-138 Brighton Avenue, and the Rathmines Park Transformation, with the most significant projects listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Eraring Battery Energy Storage System
The Eraring Battery Energy Storage System is a grid-scale lithium-ion battery being built on Origin-owned land at the Eraring Power Station site, southwest of Lake Macquarie. The project is being delivered in two main batteries. Eraring Battery 1 (460 MW / 1,770 MWh, around four-hour dispatch) reached commercial operation in January 2026 and is now importing and exporting energy via the National Electricity Market. Eraring Battery 2 (240 MW, around 5.8-hour dispatch) is under construction with civil works, battery and transformer installation, and finalisation of the 330 kV substation underway, and is scheduled to come online in the first quarter of 2027. Combined capacity will be 700 MW / 3,160 MWh, making it the largest approved battery storage system in the Southern Hemisphere. The site connects to the existing Transgrid 330 kV switchyard via around 400 metres of new overhead transmission, with Wartsila supplying battery technology and Enerven delivering design and construction. Total investment in Battery 1 and 2 exceeds $1 billion.
Costco Lake Macquarie Warehouse
The Costco Lake Macquarie Warehouse is a 14,000 sqm retail facility and fuel station located on the former Pasminco smelter site in Boolaroo, NSW. It opened on September 21, 2021, providing bulk retail services, contributing to local employment with over 225 jobs, and supporting the area's redevelopment.
Rathmines Park Transformation
Comprehensive redevelopment of Rathmines Park into a regional recreation destination. Features a $2+ million transformation including Lake Macquarie's biggest skate park, new pump track, youth activity areas, upgraded playground equipment, new playground, learn-to-ride area, youth hub, sports facilities, walking trails, and waterfront amenities. Enhanced connection to Lake Macquarie foreshore with improved accessibility and parking.
Mount Hutton Precinct Area Plan
A precinct-specific planning framework forming Part 12 of the Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014. Originally adopted by Council on 10 February 2020 to replace the 2004 plan, it sets controls for infrastructure delivery, built form and natural environment outcomes across the Mount Hutton suburb between Warners Bay and Belmont. The plan supports medium-density housing in the R3 zone south of Cowmeadow Road, road and roundabout upgrades, new shared pathways, stormwater works, and revegetation along Scrubby Creek. The framework has been progressively updated, most recently through the city-wide Housing Diversity amendments adopted by Council on 23 February 2026, which align the DCP with the Housing Diversity Planning Proposal that took effect on 1 August 2025. These reforms permit a broader mix of housing in R2 and R3 zones, allow subdivision down to 200 square metres in R3 and 250 square metres in R2, and remove minimum lot width requirements. A separate but related amendment finalised on 21 March 2025 rezoned 1 Progress Road from R2 Low Density Residential to E1 Local Centre, increasing the maximum building height on that site from 8.5 to 10 metres to support an expansion of the Dunkley Parade shops.
Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation
A $10 million transformation of the Toronto foreshore featuring continuous waterfront pathway, expanded playground, new town green, improved connections, expanded caf' area, boardwalk connections, extended shared pathway, bike hub, new lookout locations, shade pavilion and barbecue facilities. The project is being delivered across four precincts with Town Green Precinct completed in 2022.
Lake Macquarie High School HPGE Upgrades
Facility upgrades at Lake Macquarie High School under the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Partner School program. Scope includes a school entrance refresh; upgrades to food technology into a VET hospitality classroom; upgrades to two woodwork rooms and one design technology room; upgrades to an art room and a music recording space; new shade structure over the sports court with sports upgrades; and provision of a marine studies laboratory and workshop. Stage 1 works were contracted and commenced in mid-2025, with Stage 2 planned for the 2025-26 summer period continuing into 2026.
114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development
Five-storey twin towers mixed-use development featuring 108 residential units, commercial premises, and basement parking.
Speers Point Transport Improvements
A $16 million upgrade to the Speers Point transport network aimed at reducing travel times, improving safety, cutting congestion, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling connections. The key focus is improving the roundabout at Five Islands Road, T C Frith Avenue, and The Esplanade, and includes roundabout metering with traffic lights, dedicated turning lanes, and potential upgrades to nearby intersections. The concept design was open for community feedback until July 28, 2025, and preliminary investigations are underway.
Employment
Employment conditions in Toronto - Awaba face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
The workforce in Toronto - Awaba is skilled, with a strong presence in essential services sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.6%. As of March 2026, there are 6,112 employed residents, while the unemployment rate sits 2.5% higher than the Regional NSW figure of 4.1%, and participation in the labor force is notably lower (55.2% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census statistics show that a moderate 23.8% of employed individuals worked from home, although the influence of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The discrepancy between the local working population and the resident population suggests the district has a shortage of local jobs.
AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics indicates that during the 12-month period ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 0.4% and the number of employed persons fell by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% decline in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment forecasts published in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future labour demand in Toronto - Awaba. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to project future growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these growth rates vary by industry. Projecting these industry-level forecasts onto the employment structure of Toronto - Awaba suggests local jobs could grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
Based on the most recent ATO postcode data for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Toronto - Awaba SA2 have a median income of $51,803 and an average income of $67,457. This aligns closely with the national average, compared to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $57,149 for the median and $74,419 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are modest in Toronto - Awaba, falling between the 23rd and 28th percentiles. The largest income group contains 28.8% of the local population (4,064 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the broader region where 29.9% of residents fall into this category. Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving residents with only 84.6% of their income, which ranks in the 29th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Toronto - Awaba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Toronto - Awaba consists of 84.2% separate houses and 15.8% alternative dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Toronto - Awaba exceed the regional average at 42.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 matches the Regional NSW average, while the median weekly rent was $340, compared to regional figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Toronto - Awaba are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Toronto - Awaba has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households make up the majority at 69.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children (24.0%), couples without children (31.5%), and single parent families (13.3%). Non-family households account for the remaining 30.3%, with single person households representing 28.4% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the Regional NSW average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Toronto - Awaba fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
Educational outcomes present a challenge for the region, with the university qualification rate of 20.3% falling well short of the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation highlights a gap as well as an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a trade credential, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (30.0%).
A significant 24.9% of the population is enrolled in formal studies. This total includes 8.8% in primary schools, 6.7% in secondary schools, and 3.3% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
An evaluation of public transport options reveals 122 active transit stops in Toronto - Awaba, providing a combination of train and bus services. These stops support 93 unique routes, which deliver 3,248 passenger trips per week. Transport access is good, with residents living an average of 209 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the district, and private cars remain the primary method of travel at 93%. The average number of vehicles per home is 1.4. The 2021 Census recorded 23.8% of residents working from home, which may be influenced by pandemic conditions.
Services run at an average frequency of 464 runs per day across all routes, which is about 26 trips per week for each transit stop. The map shows the 100 closest transit stops to the central point of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Toronto - Awaba is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Health assessments indicate notable issues for Toronto - Awaba, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of death rates and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The presence of common medical conditions is high among both younger and older residents, while the level of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~7,422 people).
The most prevalent health issues in the region are arthritis, affecting 11.3% of residents, and mental health conditions, affecting 10.5%. Meanwhile, 57.9% of the population reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Residents of working age experience significant health difficulties, with higher rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 27.6% of the population (3,893 people), which is higher than the Regional NSW proportion of 23.4%. Health profiles for older residents show some challenges, with national rankings generally consistent with the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Toronto - Awaba is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Toronto - Awaba has a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with 88.3% of the population born in Australia, 92.7% holding citizenship, and 96.0% speaking only English in the home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 52.9% of local residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common backgrounds in Toronto - Awaba are English at 33.0% of the population, Australian at 30.1%, and Scottish at 8.8%. In addition, there are distinct differences in the size of other ethnic groups: Welsh ancestry is higher at 0.9% of Toronto - Awaba (compared to 0.5% across the region), Australian Aboriginal represents 4.6% (compared to 4.6% regionally), and Samoan ancestry is at 0.2% (compared to 0.1% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Toronto - Awaba hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
The median age in Toronto - Awaba is 47 years, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the Australian average of 38 years. The age distribution reveals that the 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 14.6%, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is smaller at 10.5% compared to Regional NSW. The concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 9.5% to 11.7% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 8.9% to 10.0%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.3% to 10.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, the age structure of Toronto - Awaba is projected to change. The 25 to 34 cohort will lead this shift, increasing by 25% (375 people) to reach 1,866 from 1,490. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to experience a reduction in numbers.