Charlestown (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Charlestown reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Charlestown (NSW) is around 14,342. This figure reflects a growth of 741 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,601. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 14,143 in June 2024, along with an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,014 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Charlestown's growth rate of 5.4% since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% 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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, for areas not covered by the ABS data. These projections indicate a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,715 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Charlestown when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Charlestown recorded around 81 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 407 homes were approved, with a further 36 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about 1.3 new residents per year.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, supporting stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $448,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. New developments consist of 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 76.0% houses. The location has approximately 320 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Charlestown is projected to add 1,516 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion, Uniting Charlestown, 27 Dickinson Street Residential Development, and 14 Frederick Street Residential Development. The following list 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.

The labour market in Charlestown demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Charlestown has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in Charlestown is 3.6%, which is lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively high.

As of December 2025, 7,731 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate. Workforce participation in Charlestown is 69.1%, higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 27.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while the labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charlestown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Charlestown had a median income among taxpayers of $56,085. The average income stood at $75,049. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215 for Regional NSW. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $61,054 and an average of $81,698, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. The 2021 Census showed household incomes in Charlestown clustered around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 33.2% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting metropolitan patterns where 29.9% fell into this range. Housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 57th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Charlestown is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Charlestown's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 76.2% houses and 23.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charlestown was at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Charlestown was $400, exceeding Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Charlestown's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 against the national figure of $375.

Charlestown features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 30.3% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Charlestown exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.1% and certificates make up 26.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Charlestown has 128 operational public transport stops serving buses. These stops are covered by 56 routes, facilitating 2,147 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 157 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 27.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 306 trips per day, equating to around 16 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Charlestown is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Charlestown faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,114 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.4%. Conversely, 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,524 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Charlestown ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Charlestown, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. It was reported that 86.4% of its population were born in Australia, with 92.1% being citizens and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.7% of Charlestown's population as per data from June 2016.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Macedonian ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.1%, Welsh at 0.7%, and French at 0.6%, compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

Charlestown's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Charlestown is 37 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.0%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller in number at 8.4%. Between 2021 and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.7% to 16.0% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.6% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, projections show significant shifts in Charlestown's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 604 people (26%) from 2,294 to 2,899. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.