Aberdeen (NSW)

Aberdeen is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Aberdeen (NSW) is around 2,109 people. This figure reflects an increase of 58 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,051 people. The current resident population was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 50 persons per square kilometer. Aberdeen's growth rate of 2.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.4%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Aberdeen (NSW) is expected to increase its population by 173 persons to reach a total of 2,282 people by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 8.2% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Aberdeen, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Aberdeen has had minimal residential development activity in recent years. From 2016 to 2020 inclusive, there were a total of five dwelling approvals, averaging approximately one annually. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas like Aberdeen, where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity.

It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects. Compared to other regions in NSW, such as Rest of NSW, and national patterns, Aberdeen has much lower development activity. The recent building activity in the area consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting its rural character where larger properties and space are typical. As of 2021, the estimated population density is approximately 2101 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet and low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Aberdeen's population is forecasted to increase by 173 residents from 2016 to 2041 inclusive. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Aberdeen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two key infrastructure projects that could impact a specific area. These are the Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project and the Aberdeen Valley Fair Commercial Development project. Additionally, AGL's Pumped Hydro Projects at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek, and the Edderton Solar Project have been noted as potentially relevant initiatives.

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

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.

Employment performance in Aberdeen exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Aberdeen has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. There are 995 residents employed while the unemployment rate is below Regional NSW's by 0.7% points, at 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Aberdeen stands at 58.4%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses show that only 8.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are mining, health care & social assistance, and construction. Mining employs 8.2 times more residents compared to the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs just 9.9%, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. Labour force levels decreased by 0.6% over the year ending December 2025, with employment declining at the same rate, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Aberdeen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows that Aberdeen's median income among taxpayers is $49,878. The average income in this suburb is $70,520. Nationally, the median income is lower at $46,111, with an average of $63,977. In Regional NSW, the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Aberdeen's median income would be approximately $55,025 by March 2026, with an average of $77,798. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Aberdeen rank modestly, between the 30th and 31st percentiles. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (651 people). This aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses.

Aberdeen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Aberdeen, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's figure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Aberdeen stood at 38.8%, closely aligned with Regional NSW's rate. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.0%) or rented (24.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Aberdeen was $1,517, lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Aberdeen was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Aberdeen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for that year.

Aberdeen features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.5% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 5.2% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (5.7%) and certificates (37.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 66 active stops operating within Aberdeen, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are served by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 786 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 159 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 112 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Aberdeen faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~1,155 people) of Aberdeen's population has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.0%) and arthritis (9.6%). However, 64.1% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health is a notable concern due to high chronic condition rates. Aberdeen has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (449 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, with rankings roughly in line with the general population.

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

Aberdeen's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population comprised 92.9% citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Aberdeen, with 62.8%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.7%), English (32.1%), and Irish (7.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 7.3%, Maori at 0.6%, and Maltese at 0.3%.

Aberdeen's median age exceeds the national pattern

Aberdeen's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes 12.7% of Aberdeen's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 7.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 5.9% to 7.2%, and the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.3% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Aberdeen's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 61 residents to reach 213. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 54% of population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups.