Bellbird

Population growth drivers in Bellbird are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, Bellbird's estimated population is around 2704. This reflects an increase of 366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2338. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2650 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 353 persons per square kilometer. Bellbird's growth rate of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Bellbird expected to expand by 571 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 9.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bellbird among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bellbird recorded around 123 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 618 homes. So far in FY-26, 68 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average value of new homes being built is $343,000. In commercial development, Bellbird has seen $17.8 million in approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of activity compared to the rest of NSW. Bellbird shows 400.0% higher building activity per person than the rest of NSW, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 92.0% houses). This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Bellbird reflects a developing area with around 16 people per approval.

Future projections show Bellbird adding 261 residents by 2041, with current construction levels adequately meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Bellbird has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: Vineyard Grove Estate, Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment, Wollombi Road Upgrade Project, and Cessnock City Council Operational Plan & Capital Works 2024-25 are key projects. The following details those most relevant.

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 drivers in Bellbird are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bellbird's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 7.7%.

AreaSearch aggregated data shows that 974 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 3.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 58.6%, slightly above Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. Bellbird had a particular specialization in mining, with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training was under-represented, with only 4.8% of Bellbird's workforce compared to 9.6% in Rest of NSW. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, alongside a 2.5% employment decline, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Bellbird. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bellbird's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Bellbird suburb had a median taxpayer income of $49,523 and an average income of $62,115. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Bellbird is approximately $53,911 and average income is $67,618. Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bellbird fall between the 18th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 34.2% of residents (924 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability is severe with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile nationally.

Bellbird is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bellbird, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellbird stood at 32.7%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (40.2%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bellbird was $1,600, lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Bellbird was recorded at $323, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Bellbird's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bellbird features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.2% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 20.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 39.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 39 active transport stops in Bellbird, with a mix of buses serving these stops. There are 22 individual routes operating, providing a total of 157 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bellbird. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 52% (~1,393 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 53.7%. Mental health issues affect 11.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.2%. Sixty-one point one percent declare no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. Thirteen point nine percent are aged 65 and over (375 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Senior health outcomes present challenges similar to the general population's profile.

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

Bellbird, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity with 93.8% of its population born in Australia, 93.5% being Australian citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bellbird, accounting for 53.8% of the population, slightly lower than the 55.7% regional average in Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Bellbird were Australian (35.8%), English (30.6%), and Scottish (9.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were relatively more represented in Bellbird at 7.0%, compared to the regional average of 6.3%. Similarly, Welsh (0.6%) and French (0.5%) groups showed higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.5% and 0.3%.

Bellbird hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Bellbird's median age is 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Bellbird at 14.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.3% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 1.2% to 0.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bellbird's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 95 people (24%), increasing from 394 to 490. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.