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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Ashtonfield 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, Ashtonfield's population is estimated at around 4,633. This figure represents an increase of 44 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,589. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and noting one additional address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 678 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to recent population gains in Ashtonfield.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas until 2041. By 2041, Ashtonfield is projected to increase by 499 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Ashtonfield is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Ashtonfield had minimal residential development activity between 2016 and 2020, with fewer than one dwelling approval per year. Over this five-year period, only four dwellings were approved. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity.
It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects. Ashtonfield's development activity was notably lower compared to the Rest of NSW during this period. Nationally, development activity was also higher than in Ashtonfield.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ashtonfield
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Ashtonfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Stony Pinch Urban Development, Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, Ashtonfield Public School Upgrade, and Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project. The following list details those most relevant:.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Raymond Terrace Place Plan
Port Stephens Council is developing a Raymond Terrace Place Plan to replace the 2015 Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy. The new plan responds to major infrastructure investment, housing reforms and shifting community priorities. It targets approximately 2,500 new dwellings with a focus on diverse housing types including townhouses, smaller units and affordable living options. The plan covers town centre revitalisation, public space improvements, safety and connectivity upgrades, and includes a Public Domain Plan for William Street and surrounding areas. Heatherbrae is being considered separately given its relationship to the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension by Transport for NSW.
Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041
The Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041 is a comprehensive framework adopted by Council in June 2023 and endorsed by the NSW Government in September 2024. It manages residential growth to accommodate a projected population increase of 54,800 residents by 2041, requiring approximately 25,200 additional dwellings. The strategy prioritises housing diversity, infill development, and the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, seeking to shift from a 90:10 greenfield-to-infill ratio toward the Hunter Regional Plan target of 20:80 by 2041. Implementation milestones include the Residential Density Guide placed on public exhibition in March 2025, and the East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan endorsed for public exhibition in October 2025, estimating 4,000 new homes for that precinct alone.
Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project
A purpose-built 64-bed mental health facility on the Maitland Hospital campus. It features a transitional model of care with three inpatient units: low-secure and medium-secure forensic units, and a rehabilitation and recovery unit. Designed by Bates Smart, the facility includes single bedrooms with ensuites, shared therapy spaces, and nature-integrated outdoor areas. The project serves to relocate and expand forensic services from the Morisset Hospital campus to a contemporary setting. Construction officially commenced with a sod-turning ceremony on March 12, 2026, led by Richard Crookes Constructions.
Hunter Transmission Project
A critical 110 km overhead 500 kV transmission line project connecting Bayswater Power Station to a new switching station in Olney State Forest near Eraring. As of May 2026, the project is under assessment following the February 2026 lodgement of the Submissions and Amendment Reports. It serves as the northern section of the Sydney Ring, designed to transfer renewable energy from the Central-West Orana and New England REZs. Infrastructure includes new switching stations at Bayswater South and Olney, plus upgrades to existing substations. Environmental surveys are ongoing through May 2026, with a final government determination expected later this year.
Stony Pinch Urban Development
A long-term conceptual urban transformation initiative covering the post-mining repurposing of the Bloomfield Colliery and adjoining landholdings southeast of Maitland in the Lower Hunter. The Stony Pinch Group is a consortium formed under a legal agreement between major landowners in the area - The Bloomfield Group, Ashtonfields and Yancoal (which acquired the adjoining Donaldson site) - to coordinate future land use and development outcomes across their combined holdings. Earlier conceptual structure planning referenced in Bloomfield's Modification 4 environmental assessment envisaged a substantial mixed-use precinct extending from John Renshaw Drive towards East Maitland, including residential, town centre, employment lands, and recreation, with significant bushland retention. The site sits within the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 'Four Mile Creek Precinct', which is identified for employment uses leveraging access to the M1 Pacific Motorway and rail, the repurposing of existing infrastructure to support transition to new uses, and the conservation of high environmental value lands. Bloomfield Colliery currently operates under Project Approval 07_0087 with mining permitted until 31 December 2030. A Modification 5 (Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project) is under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act, seeking to extend mining to 31 December 2035, reduce the production rate to 0.9 Mtpa, and amend the approved final landform. The Environmental Impact Statement was on public exhibition from 22 April to 20 May 2025, and a Response to Submissions report was lodged in September 2025. The currently approved final land use is grazing pasture; any future urban development would require separate planning approvals through Maitland and Cessnock Councils and the NSW Government.
East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan
The East Maitland Catalyst Area (EMCA) Structure Plan is a 20-year strategic land use framework guiding population growth and infill development across East Maitland. The precinct extends from Victoria Street Station in the north, south to Metford Station, and south-west to Ashtonfield and Green Hills, anchored by the new Maitland Hospital, Maitland Private Hospital and Stockland Green Hills regional shopping centre. The draft plan proposes rezoning land from R1 General Residential to a mix of low, medium and high-density zones to accommodate around 4,000 new dwellings and 6,000 additional residents by 2045. It also outlines shop-top housing and secondary dwellings, upgrades to Metford Road, a new northern access at Metford Station, and a new or significantly upgraded primary school. A supporting infrastructure needs analysis identifies utilities and social infrastructure required to support growth. The draft was placed on public exhibition from 27 October to 24 November 2025 following endorsement at the 21 October 2025 council meeting; council is reviewing community feedback to inform the final plan. The work is funded through a grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace
A 2.24 billion dollar, 15-kilometre dual carriageway motorway extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace, bypassing Hexham and Heatherbrae and finally fixing the Pacific Motorway's missing link. The northern 5-kilometre Heatherbrae Bypass is now complete, including the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and the Windeyers Creek bridge. Work continues on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago, where 10 of 11 bridge decks have been poured and the 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River, New England Highway and Main North Rail Line is taking shape with girders being installed over water. The full motorway is now on track to open in late 2026, more than a year ahead of the original 2028 schedule. The project includes four new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, removes five sets of traffic lights, and is expected to cut up to 9 minutes from peak travel times. Jointly funded with 1.792 billion from the Albanese Government and 448 million from the Minns Government.
Ashtonfield Public School Upgrade
Completed upgrade to Ashtonfield Public School providing 12 new permanent classrooms in a two-storey building, student amenities including toilets, a lift, and refurbishments to the library, administration areas, canteen with covered outdoor learning area (COLA), and hall. The project replaced temporary demountable buildings and increased staff parking by 14 spaces. The upgrade includes landscaping and walkways to enhance the educational facilities for the student community.
Employment
The labour market strength in Ashtonfield positions it well ahead of most Australian regions
Ashtonfield has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.0%. This rate is 1.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is higher at 66.7% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.
According to Census responses, 23.8% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Ashtonfield has a particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Ashtonfield's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW.
Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment decreased by 0.7%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashtonfield's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Ashtonfield's median income among taxpayers is $61,345. The average income in the suburb is $75,390. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ashtonfield would be approximately $67,676 (median) and $83,170 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows incomes in Ashtonfield cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 35.8% of locals (1,658 people), earning between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This pattern is similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% of residents fall within this range. Economic strength in Ashtonfield is evident with 30.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 13.7% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 77th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Ashtonfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
As evaluated in the latest Census, 94.0% of dwellings in Ashtonfield were houses, with the remaining 6.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashtonfield stood at 34.0%, lower than Regional NSW's rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (44.4%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ashtonfield was $1,950, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Ashtonfield was recorded at $440, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Ashtonfield's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Ashtonfield features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 81.8% of all households, including 41.8% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Ashtonfield exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 22.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.6% and certificates make up 28.5%. Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
As of the 2021 Census, Ashtonfield has 42 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 74 different routes, offering a total of 675 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 158 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most journeys in this residential area are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. Approximately 23.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 16 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Ashtonfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Ashtonfield faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Approximately 57% of Ashtonfield's total population (~2,627 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.2%) and asthma (8.9%), while 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Ashtonfield has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (741 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Ashtonfield ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Ashtonfield had a cultural diversity below average, with 87.3% born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 91.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 57.3%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.
Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (30.7%), and Irish (8.2%). Welsh (0.6% vs regional 0.5%) and Russian (0.3% vs regional 0.2%) were notably overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 3.3% compared to Regional NSW's 4.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Ashtonfield's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Ashtonfield is 39, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but closely matches Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Ashtonfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (15.0%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 years (9.2%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 25-34 grew from 10.7% to 12.4%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 4.2% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.4% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ashtonfield's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24%, reaching 711 people from 574. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.