Charlestown (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Charlestown (NSW) had an estimated population of around 14,377 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 776 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,601 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 14,306, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,019 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Charlestown's growth of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (4.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The area is expected to increase by 1,569 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Charlestown recorded approximately 81 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 407 homes were approved, with an additional 41 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodated about 1.6 new residents.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with developers targeting the premium market segment as new homes averaged $448,000 in construction cost value. In FY-26, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial development activity. The current new development composition is 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the area's existing housing which is currently 76.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Charlestown has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Charlestown is projected to add 1,498 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Key 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 highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than the national average, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 7,898 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Charlestown is high at 70.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. A significant portion of residents, 27.4%, work from home, though this may be influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction sectors. Charlestown has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Charlestown saw employment increase by 0.7% alongside labour force increasing by 1.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 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, though this is a simple 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Charlestown had a median taxpayer income of $56,085 and an average income of $75,049. Nationally, the averages were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimates suggest median and average incomes will be approximately $61,873 and $82,794 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Charlestown are around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. Housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Charlestown's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.2% houses and 23.8% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charlestown stood at 35.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (38.1%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Charlestown was $400, exceeding both Regional NSW's figure of $330 and the national average 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 making up 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+, exceeding 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 26.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 active public transport stops offering bus services. These are covered by 56 routes, serving 2,147 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 92%, with an average of 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 27.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 306 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 16 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays 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's health profile shows significant concerns based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,134 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 8.4% of residents respectively. 67.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,544 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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census in 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.4% born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.7%. While Judaism's representation was similar to Regional NSW at 0.1%, there were notable disparities in ancestry groups: English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.2%) were the top three.

Macedonian, Welsh, and French ethnicities had higher representations than regional averages, at 1.1%, 0.7%, and 0.6% 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 15.5%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 8.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.6% to 15.8% of the population, while 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 564 people (25%), from 2,228 to 2,793. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.