Suburb profile · Rest of NSW
Cessnock has an estimated 16,865 residents, up 3.5% since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Cessnock.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Located 115 kilometres north from Sydney CBD, the suburb of Cessnock is distinguished by its picturesque regional landscape, celebrated culinary environment, and established viticultural traditions. Renowned as a prominent destination for wine tourism, the surrounding area features extensive vineyards, local artisan food festivals, and an active arts community highlighted by regional galleries and events. As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Cessnock has an estimated resident population (ERP) of approximately 16,865, representing an increase of 565 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census figure of 16,300, supported by annual SA2 updates and quarterly address validation.
The local economy demonstrates robust demographic and market fundamentals, highlighted by strong population expansion, substantial residential sales turnover relative to population size, and comprehensive service infrastructure. While personal incomes sit within the lower-quartile bands and formal qualification levels are comparatively low, the community maintains a balanced age structure with a median age of 40.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 115 kilometres north from Sydney CBD, the suburb of Cessnock is distinguished by its picturesque regional landscape, celebrated culinary environment, and established viticultural traditions. Renowned as a prominent destination for wine tourism, the surrounding area features extensive vineyards, local artisan food festivals, and an active arts community highlighted by regional galleries and events. As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Cessnock has an estimated resident population (ERP) of approximately 16,865, representing an increase of 565 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census figure of 16,300, supported by annual SA2 updates and quarterly address validation.
The local economy demonstrates robust demographic and market fundamentals, highlighted by strong population expansion, substantial residential sales turnover relative to population size, and comprehensive service infrastructure. While personal incomes sit within the lower-quartile bands and formal qualification levels are comparatively low, the community maintains a balanced age structure with a median age of 40.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 12,767 in 2006 and 16,713 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 16,865 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 14.8%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 28.3%.
Cessnock ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for amenities and the 80th for population growth.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Cessnock is $555 a week, up 8.9% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 4% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.0%.
4% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $345 in 2017, $572 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $265 in 2017, $466 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Lindsay Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $650,000 | 8 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 10 James Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $625,000 | 8 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 5 David Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $751,000 | 7 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 43 Alexander Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $740,000 | 7 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Comfort Avenue, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $845,000 | 6 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 5 Michael Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $745,000 | 6 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 9 West Avenue, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $770,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 243 Maitland Road, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $1,050,500 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 76 Allandale Road, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $800,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 5 Long Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 | $336,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 50 residential sales recorded since 24 Aug 2026 (the latest settled 8 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 50, houses and units together, was $747,500 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $555 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +8.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $750k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $560k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $747,500 | Median of the 50 most recent residential sales, settled 24 Aug 2026 to 8 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $572 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +7.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $466 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +8.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 4.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Lower Hunter | $588 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Lower Hunter, over 12 months | +7.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 246 tracked applications: 81 approved, 38 under assessment, 127 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 7 projects in Cessnock (4 under construction) and 33 more in the surrounding area.
A 138 million dollar redevelopment delivering a new two-storey Acute Services Building. Features include an expanded Emergency Department, new operating theatres, day surgery spaces, two inpatient wards with ensuites, medical imaging, a Central Sterilising Services Department, and a modern pharmacy.
Major staged upgrade of approximately 4km of Wollombi Road between Abbotsford Street, Bellbird and Allandale Road, Cessnock. The project includes road duplication, intersection upgrades, new traffic signals, shared paths, stormwater and utility works, and improved public transport infrastructure.
Transformation of the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving community and tourism precinct serving as an iconic gateway to the Hunter Valley vineyards.
Mount View Grange Estate is a 240 hectare masterplanned residential community in Bellbird, located within the Hunter Valley region of NSW. The project is designed to deliver approximately 1,681 home sites along with a 3.11 hectare town centre site catering to supermarket, specialty retail, and community spaces.
North Ridge Estate is a master planned residential community on the top of Bellbird Ridge in Cessnock, in the Hunter Valley. The estate is planned to deliver over 350 residential lots, with lot sizes typically ranging from around 450 m2 up to more than 2,000 m2, many with views over surrounding bushland and the Hunter Valley.
A boutique house and land estate in Cessnock set amongst scenic bushland and nearby Hunter Valley vineyards. Developed by Landlink Property Group, the estate offered land lots from 581m2 with proximity to the Hunter Expressway, Newcastle CBD (45 mins), and John Hunter Hospital (40 mins).
A thriving land lease community in the heart of Hunter Valley offering 165 architect-designed homes with resort-style facilities including heated outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, theatrette, bowling green, community garden, and sports pavilion. Features no entry fees, exit fees, or deferred management fees with residents keeping 100% of capital gains.
A 39.5 km controlled-access expressway linking the M1 Pacific Motorway near Seahampton/Cameron Park to the New England Highway near Branxton, bypassing Maitland and improving safety, connectivity and travel times across the Hunter region. Opened in March 2014 with an estimated cost of about AUD 1.7 billion.
A new public preschool is under construction at Weston Public School as part of the NSW Government's $769 million program to deliver 100 new public preschools co-located with public primary schools.
A multi-million dollar upgrade of Weston Bears Park, the home of Weston Bears Football Club, a Newcastle Premier League club founded in 1907. The project refurbished the existing grandstand into a new clubroom, canteen, office, and members' space, and delivered new team change rooms, referee facilities, a gym, and improved spectator amenities, along with a…
The KKLP consists of a 21km gas transmission pipeline and a 24km larger diameter serpentine pipeline functioning as a storage reservoir. It connects the Hunter Power Project in Kurri Kurri to the Sydney to Newcastle pipeline. The A$450 million project completed construction and commenced commissioning in 2025.
A masterplan to revitalise the Weston commercial centre through public domain improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, traffic calming, park upgrades, street tree planting, and heritage preservation.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 24 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 7, 2027 9, 2028 5, 2029 1, 2030 1. 4 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 246 substantial development applications lodged in and around Cessnock over the past 5 years, 123 in the last 12 months; 38 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 6, 2022 34, 2023 26, 2024 31, 2025 31, 2026 (to Oct) 118.
Key application 30A West Avenue, Cessnock Aged Care | $19m | 60 dwellings | 2 storeys Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 246 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 123 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 8.8 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 144 | ABS building approvals | 87th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 81 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 38 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Cessnock include: Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment (Construction); Cessnock City Council Operational Plan & Capital Works 2024-25 (Construction); Wollombi Road Upgrade Project (Construction); Apex Park Precinct Transformation (Planning); and Cessnock Commercial Precinct Urban Renewal & Town Square (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Cessnock spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Transport & Logistics, and Communities, among others.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Cessnock when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Cessnock area has seen 239 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Cessnock's current population of 16,865 has been supported by 144 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Cessnock has seen 8.8 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 139 people in the suburb of Cessnock, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Cessnock's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 144, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Cessnock has grown by approximately 317 people, while 721 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 0.4 people added for each new dwelling approval. This low ratio indicates housing supply is outpacing population growth, potentially creating market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Cessnock are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,865 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +3.5% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 470 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 16,300 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 565 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 35.88 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Cessnock was estimated to be approximately 16,865 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 16,713 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Cessnock has added approximately 565 people and shown a 3.47% increase from the 16,300 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Cessnock is estimated at 470 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Cessnock has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.9% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Cessnock is driven by: Interstate migration (60.0%), Overseas migration (40.0%), Natural increase (0.0%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 60.0% of overall population gains.
Cessnock's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 56th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 26.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 40 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 11.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 14.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 13.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Cessnock at 40 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 40 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 40 years as at August 2026, Cessnock is 3 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet 2 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Cessnock compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 14.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Cessnock compared to the Regional NSW region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 10.5% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Cessnock is broadly in line with Regional NSW.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.2% of the population in the suburb of Cessnock as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 20.4% of the population in the suburb of Cessnock as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 80% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $53,612 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 27th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $63,652 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,192 | 2021 Census, weekly | 12th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $588 | 2021 Census, weekly | 10th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 11.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,471 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 33.6% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Cessnock is approximately $57,032. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $53,612.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Cessnock is approximately $67,713. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $63,652.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Cessnock is approximately $57,032 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $53,612 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Cessnock is approximately $67,713 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $63,652 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Cessnock's households (~28.3% / 1,595 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Cessnock is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.3% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Cessnock is $1,192/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Cessnock is $1,471/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Cessnock is $588/wk.
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Cessnock's median income among taxpayers is $53,612, with an average of $63,652. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $55,733 and average of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $57,032 (median) and $67,713 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Cessnock is $4,190 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Cessnock's disposable income is $4,190 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment drivers in Cessnock are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 13% of areas assessed across Australia.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 45.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 5,849 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 16,113 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 6,357 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Cessnock has approximately 5,849 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 8.0%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Cessnock stands at 8.0%, which is 3.9 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Cessnock is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.1% of employment), accommodation & food (12.2%), and retail trade (11.4%). Other significant employers include manufacturing and mining.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Cessnock has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Cessnock is 45.8%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. The relatively low participation rate may indicate limited job opportunities or demographic factors affecting workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of Cessnock shows notable specialisation in mining, which employs 7.7% of the local workforce compared to 2.5% across Regional NSW. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 3.1, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Cessnock's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 4.8% decline, ranking 33rd out of 37 regions nationally.
Cessnock faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 7.8% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.4% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 10.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 37.6% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.3% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.8% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 43.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 34.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.1% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.9% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.7% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
10.5% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Cessnock have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
43.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Cessnock have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The suburb of Cessnock ranks in the 14th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Cessnock are: Certificate (37.6%), Advanced Diploma (8.8%), Bachelor Degree (7.8%).
34.3% of the population in the suburb of Cessnock is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.9% in primary school, 9.7% in secondary school, 3.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Cessnock is 907, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 4 schools within the suburb of Cessnock, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,838 students.
The suburb of Cessnock includes 3 primary schools, 1 secondary school.
Cessnock features high concentrations of single parent families and lone person households but relatively few couples with children, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 30.5% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 21.9% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 24.5% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 19.2% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 5,643 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 5,839 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 66.8% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.9 per family | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Cessnock had 5,643 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.5% to an estimated 5,839 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Cessnock is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 66.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (30.5%), group households (2.7%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,770 family households, couples with children account for 21.9% of all households, couples without children at home 24.5%, and single parent families 19.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Cessnock shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Cessnock have an average of 1.9 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 36.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 40.9% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 30.5% of all households in the suburb of Cessnock, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.7% of households, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%.
The latest Census data sees Cessnock placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 8.6% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 3.2% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 96.8% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.5% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 91.4% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 7.3% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
Cessnock was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.5% of its population being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Cessnock was found to be Christianity, which makes up 54.2% of people in Cessnock. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cessnock are Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, English, comprising 31.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 7.3% of Cessnock (vs 4.6% across Regional NSW), Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.5%) and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).
8.6% of the suburb of Cessnock population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
3.2% of the population in the suburb of Cessnock speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
7.3% of the suburb of Cessnock population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
82.5% of the suburb of Cessnock population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Cessnock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 39.2% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 32.0% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 84.3% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,499 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 26th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 28.8% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.0% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $320 | 2021 Census, weekly | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 26.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 89th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 29.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 86th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Cessnock, 32.0% of homes are owned outright, 28.8% are owned with a mortgage, and 39.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 84.3% of dwellings in the suburb of Cessnock are houses.
In the suburb of Cessnock, 2.1% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.0% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Cessnock stands at 32.0%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Cessnock is $1,499, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Cessnock is $975, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Cessnock, households with mortgages typically spend 29.0% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 26.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Cessnock is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Cessnock shows mortgage holders spending 29.0% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 26.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Cessnock consists of 84.3% detached houses, 13.0% semi-detached dwellings, 2.1% apartments, and 0.6% other dwelling types.
Housing in Cessnock consumes approximately 18.9% of median household income ($5,161 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Cessnock show attached dwellings contributing 34% of approvals compared to 16% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 66% of applications versus 84% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health performance in Cessnock is a key challenge relative to locations nationally with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 30th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 54.3% | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 63.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 3.6% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
Around 50.3% of people in the suburb of Cessnock are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the suburb of Cessnock, 10.5% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
9.6% of people in the suburb of Cessnock are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 6.0% of the suburb of Cessnock population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
5.2% of people in the suburb of Cessnock have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Cessnock, 50.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 49 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 49th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 188 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 91st percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 881 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 32nd percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 89 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 75 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 12.3% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 188 public transport stops within the suburb of Cessnock.
The suburb of Cessnock has 881 weekly trips across 75 routes, averaging 125 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 154 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 754 m away and the nearest GP 917 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 188 stops nearby, 881 weekly trips, access rating 49 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 97 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 97th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 754 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 917 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 948 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 331 places in Cessnock, about 3.2 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Cessnock is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Cessnock.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Cessnock when compared nationally.
Cessnock ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Cessnock's affordable property market has recorded 358 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 96% residential, 3% commercial and 1% vacant land transactions.
Population growth drivers in Cessnock are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Cessnock's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
Income figures position the area below 80% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Employment drivers in Cessnock are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 13% of areas assessed across Australia.
Cessnock faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Cessnock features high concentrations of single parent families and lone person households but relatively few couples with children, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
The latest Census data sees Cessnock placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Cessnock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health performance in Cessnock is a key challenge relative to locations nationally with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Cessnock has an estimated 16,865 residents, up 3.5% since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Cessnock.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Cessnock.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
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 a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10877). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Cessnock from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Cessnock with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
