Alstonville

Alstonville has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Alstonville's population is estimated at around 5,935, reflecting an increase of 23 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 0.4% increase from the previous count of 5,912 residents. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 5,879 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 205 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Alstonville has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming its SA4 region. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable with a base year of 2021. For the years 2032 to 2041, growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Alstonville is forecasted to increase its population by 1,730 persons, reflecting a total increase of 33.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Alstonville recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Alstonville recorded approximately nine residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 48 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with three more approved so far in FY-26. On average, around eight people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $561,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $103,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Alstonville shows substantially reduced construction, with 73.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The estimated count of 613 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Alstonville is expected to grow by 1,978 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Alstonville has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include the Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade, Alstonville Medical Centre at 12 Commercial Road, Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and the 104 Main Street Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Alstonville well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Alstonville has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,616 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Alstonville was 51.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety had limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional level of 7.5%. Labour force levels in Alstonville decreased by 4.5% over the 12 months to June 2025, with a corresponding 4.1% employment decline and a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Alstonville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Alstonville had a median taxpayer income of $40,804 and an average income of $54,216 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $45,949 and average income is around $61,053 based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022. Census data shows Alstonville's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 21st and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.8% of locals (1,768 people) predominantly earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with broader regional trends. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Alstonville's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.1% houses and 23.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 76.1% houses and 23.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alstonville stood at 48.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,730, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Alstonville was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Alstonville's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,730 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

Alstonville features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.6% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Alstonville aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Alstonville's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 25.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 26.5%. A substantial 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education; this includes 9.5% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Alstonville's three schools have a combined enrollment of 993 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1022) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, providing 16.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.2, indicating that Alstonville serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The transport analysis indicates that Alstonville has 119 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 34 different routes, offering a total of 411 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents being located an average of 103 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 58 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Alstonville faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% (~2,874 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.3% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health problems (8.9%).

However, 60.2% claim to be free from ailments, lower than the 68.0% in Rest of NSW. Alstonville has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.9% (1,893 people), compared to 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than the general population's metrics.

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

Alstonville, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 87.8% born there. Citizenship was high at 92.8%, and English-only speakers were 96.2%. Christianity dominated religiously at 55.2%, compared to the regional average of 42.2%.

Ancestry-wise, English (33.7%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (11.0%) were the top groups. Some ethnicities varied: Welsh was higher at 0.8% vs 0.6%, Scottish at 9.3% vs 9.0%, and Hungarian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Alstonville ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Alstonville's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Alstonville, making up 11.3% of its population compared to the Rest of NSW's average. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, Alstonville's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 97% (351 people), reaching a total of 714 from 362.