Ashtonfield

Ashtonfield lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Ashtonfield's population is estimated at around 43,304, reflecting an increase of 1,870 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 41,434 in the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.5% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses using ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which estimated Ashtonfield's resident population at 4,589. The population density ratio is approximately 6,340 persons per square kilometer. Ashtonfield's growth rate since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.1%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Ashtonfield is predicted to grow by 3,850 persons, reflecting an increase of 13.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ashtonfield when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis shows Ashtonfield averaged around 106 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 532 homes were approved, with another 16 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 3.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $610,000, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $258.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Relative to Rest of NSW, Ashtonfield has significantly less development activity, with 66.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

Recent construction comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 174.0% houses. The estimated population density is 498 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Ashtonfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Stony Pinch Urban Development, Ashtonfield Public School Upgrade, Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project, and Raymond Terrace Road and Government Road Intersection Upgrade. The following list provides details on those projects most likely to be relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Ashtonfield performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Ashtonfield has a highly educated workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

There were 14,438 residents employed in June 2025, with an unemployment rate 1.6 percentage points below the regional average and workforce participation at 125.2%, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries among residents are accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Ashtonfield has a strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level, while mining shows lower representation at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 2.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.6%, while employment decreased by 4.2% in Ashtonfield, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, the labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. 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 Ashtonfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ended June 2022 shows median income in Ashtonfield was $98,612 and average income was $123,598. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Ashtonfield is approximately $111,047 and average income is $139,184 as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, individual earnings were at the 120th percentile nationally ($1,650 weekly), while household income ranked at the 80th percentile. Income distribution data shows 62.4% of Ashtonfield's population (27,021 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this range. Economic landscape is diverse with both lower-income residents (52.4%) and affluent households (40.2%) well-represented. After housing costs, residents retain 177.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Ashtonfield's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Ashtonfield, dwelling structures consisted of 174.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashtonfield stood at 85.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 63.4% and rented ones for 51.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ashtonfield was $2,816, significantly higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent figure in Ashtonfield was recorded at $600, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Ashtonfield's mortgage repayments were substantially higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were significantly above the national figure of $375.

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Educational achievement in Ashtonfield places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Ashtonfield's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 45.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 15.2% in the SA4 region and 17.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 32.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 82.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (21.2%) and certificates (61.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 58.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (20.4%), secondary education (17.4%), and tertiary education (6.8%). Ashtonfield Public School and Hunter Valley Grammar School serve a total of 1,666 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1069. It functions as an education hub, offering 26.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.6, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

As of March 2023, Ashtonfield has 1,192 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 102 different routes that together facilitate 1,168 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is considered limited, with residents on average being 620 meters away from their nearest transport stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages at 166 trips per day, which translates to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Ashtonfield's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Ashtonfield's health outcomes show remarkable results across all age groups with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 101%, covering 43,719 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 52.8%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 20.2% and 16.4% respectively. Notably, 134.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is higher than Rest of NSW's 63.4%. Ashtonfield has a larger senior population at 41.3%, or 17,867 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Ashtonfield was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashtonfield's population had a higher proportion, 13.6%, speaking languages other than English at home compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 29.8% of Ashtonfield's residents were recorded in the census. Christianity was the dominant religion in Ashtonfield, accounting for 102.6%.

This figure is notably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 57.0%. In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage was prevalent in Ashtonfield with 59.6% of the population claiming this background, significantly higher than the regional average of 32.0%. Similarly, English ancestry was prominent at 59.6%, surpassing the regional average of 31.2%. Irish ancestry also stood out at 19.0%, exceeding the regional average of 7.8%. Certain ethnic groups showed significant differences in representation: Scottish heritage was notably higher at 18.8% compared to the regional average of 7.6%. Lebanese and Hungarian heritages were also overrepresented, with 0.8% and 0.6% respectively, while the regional averages were 0.1% for both groups.

Ashtonfield ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Ashtonfield was 85 years as of the 2021 Census, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and Australia's median of 38 years. The age distribution in Ashtonfield closely aligns with that of Rest of NSW across all cohorts. Notably, the percentage of individuals aged 25-34 was well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census, a rejuvenation trend is evident as the median age fell from 86 to 85 years. Between 2016 and 2021, significant shifts occurred: the 25-34 age group grew from 26.0% to 29.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 22.4% to 24.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 27.8% to 24.2%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 23.4% to 21.1%. By 2041, Ashtonfield's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by -1,054 people (-52%), decreasing from 2,035 to 981. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 85+ age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.