Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Beresfield is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
Beresfield's population is estimated at around 3,414 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 3,267 people, an increase of 147 people (4.5%). This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,402 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 542 persons per square kilometer. Beresfield's growth rate since the census, at 4.5%, is within 0.4 percentage points of the Rest of NSW's 4.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Beresfield is expected to grow by 108 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 2.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Beresfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Beresfield has received approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 60 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average growth in population due to new dwellings constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is around 1.2 residents per year per dwelling.
This suggests a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $282,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. Commercial approvals registered this financial year total $45.7 million, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Beresfield has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 57th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered.
The current housing mix shows 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature while addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. This is a considerable change from the current housing mix of 90.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites. Beresfield has approximately 268 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Beresfield is projected to grow by 96 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Beresfield
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Beresfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects potentially affecting the area. Notable projects are Beresfield Industrial Park Expansion, Beresfield Residential Precinct, M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, and Thornton Rail Bridge Duplication. The following list details those likely most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
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.
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.
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.
Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline (KKLP) and Storage Project
The KKLP is a 21km gas transmission pipeline and 24km larger diameter serpentine pipeline that functions as a storage reservoir. It will connect the Hunter Power Project in Kurri Kurri, NSW, to the existing Sydney to Newcastle pipeline. The project is critical for energy security in the Hunter region. The total investment is approximately A$450 million.
Thornton Rail Bridge Duplication
Duplication of the existing Thornton rail bridge to alleviate peak hour congestion and provide a flood-free route connecting northern Maitland to the M1, Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway. Transport for NSW is currently undertaking early works including road surface surveys to inform design solutions. The project will ease congestion for the 7000 new residents and 3500 new jobs expected in the region over the next 20 years.
Wirraway Thornton
A completed 511-lot residential development spanning 58 hectares in the lower Hunter Valley, creating a parkland community with quality homes for Defence families and the public. Features 16 hectares of open spaces, cycle tracks, Wirraway Park with aviation-themed playground, half-sized basketball court, fitness station, and community amenities. Now home to over 500 families including 250 Defence families.
Beresfield Industrial Park Expansion
Industrial land subdivision at 40 Weakleys Drive to expand supply of serviced industrial lots within the Beresfield/Weakleys Drive precinct. Recent records show DA2023/00186 (two into nine lot subdivision including road) with a 2025 Section 4.55(1A) modification application (MA2025/00326) under the City of Newcastle, indicating the project is progressing with post-consent changes.
Employment
Employment conditions in Beresfield face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Beresfield has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 8.1% as per AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, 1,589 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.2%, higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%.
Census responses show 12.6% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. Public administration & safety has lower representation at 4.3%, compared to Regional NSW's average of 7.5%.
Many residents commute outside Beresfield for work. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 2.1% while employment declined by 0.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW had an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beresfield's industry mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
Beresfield's median taxpayer income in financial year 2023 was $58,339, with an average of $67,822 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data. This is comparable to national averages, while Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $64,360 (median) and $74,821 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. Income data from Census 2021 shows Beresfield's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 17th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 33.4% of locals (1,140 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with regional trends showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Beresfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Beresfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW which had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beresfield was at 36.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Beresfield was $1,484, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Beresfield was recorded at $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Beresfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Beresfield has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Beresfield faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 10.4%, 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 prevalent at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 6.8% while certificates make up 33.0%.
Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Beresfield has 37 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 52 routes, providing a total of 4,163 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 195 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 594 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 112 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Beresfield is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Beresfield faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,835 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 57.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (795 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges but generally aligning with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Beresfield is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Beresfield's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.9%), and speaking English only at home (93.0%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Beresfield, comprising 53.4% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.0%), Australian (31.4%), and Scottish (7.4%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 6.1%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Samoan and Macedonian representations also differ significantly: Samoan at 0.4% versus 0.1%, and Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Beresfield's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
Beresfield's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.9% of Beresfield's population compared to Regional NSW. However, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 9.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.8%, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 16.4% to 17.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.4%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 11.2% to 9.9%. By 2041, Beresfield's age profile is expected to change significantly based on demographic modeling. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 15 people (88 in total), reaching 700 from the current 611. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts.