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, reflecting an increase of 741 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.4% change from the previous population count of 13,601. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 14,143, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of additional 214 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,014 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Charlestown's growth rate of 5.4% since the census is close to that of the Rest of NSW at 5.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Charlestown are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to increase its population by 1,664 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Charlestown recorded approximately 81 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 408 homes were approved, with an additional 35 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years accommodated about 1.2 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value for new homes was $448,000, indicating that developers were targeting 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 consisted of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 76.0% houses.

This change may be due to decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles seeking more diverse, affordable housing options. The population density in Charlestown was approximately 317 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Charlestown is projected to add 1,317 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 has 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 employment environment in Charlestown shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Charlestown has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of this date, 7,837 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 70.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 27.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Charlestown has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Charlestown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localised 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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Charlestown suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $56,085 and an average income of $75,049. These figures are above national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $61,054 and average income is around $81,698. From the 2021 Census data, incomes in Charlestown cluster at the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 33.2% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (4,761 residents), which is similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall within this range. Housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Charlestown, 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

In Charlestown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charlestown stood at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Charlestown was recorded at $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Charlestown's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 Rest of 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 distinguished 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 account for 11.1% and certificates for 26.5%.

Educational participation is notably high at 27.5%, 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's public transport analysis indicates 128 active transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops cater to a mix of bus services. A total of 56 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 2,147 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Charlestown is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling in Charlestown. According to the 2021 Census, a high 27.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 306 trips per day, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the locations of 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 through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,114 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,466 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Charlestown is Christianity, comprising 49.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of NSW, with 0.1% of Charlestown's population identifying as such, while the regional average is also 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Charlestown are English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.2%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Macedonian at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and French at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.4%.

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

The median age in Charlestown is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW 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 15.9%, while those aged 65-74 are comparatively smaller at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.6% to 15.9%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 10.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Charlestown's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 546 people (24%), from 2,280 to 2,827. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.