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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for Charlestown (NSW) statistical area is around 14,301. This reflects a growth of 700 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,601. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 14,143 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 196 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,008 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 5.1% since census is comparable to non-metro areas at 5.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 1,682 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.6% 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 indicates 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 dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about 1.2 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value of new homes is $448,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, Charlestown has registered approximately $22.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. New developments consist of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 76.0% houses.

This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Charlestown has an approximate density of 317 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Charlestown is projected to add around 1,366 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Charlestown has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones 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 likely to be 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 an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 3.1% during this period, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 7,837 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was high at 66.1%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Health care & social assistance had an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, with fewer Census working residents than residents overall. In the preceding 12 months, employment increased by 3.1%, labour force rose by 3.5%, and unemployment rate climbed by 0.4 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force drop by 0.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 indicated NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourable to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts project national employment 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Charlestown had a median income among taxpayers of $56,085 with an average level of $75,049. This is higher than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,054 (median) and $81,698 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Charlestown cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 33.2% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 4,747 residents falling into this category. This pattern is similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% of residents earn within this range. High 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

Charlestown's residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 76.2% houses and 23.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwelling types. The home ownership rate in Charlestown stood at 35.2%. Of the dwellings, 38.1% were mortgaged while 26.7% were rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area amounted to $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $400. Nationally, Charlestown's median monthly mortgage repayments surpassed the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Charlestown features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

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 constitute 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.

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%, 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

Transport analysis shows 128 active public transport stops in Charlestown. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 56 routes, carrying out 2,147 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 157 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 306 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,091 people). Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.4%. A total of 67.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Rest of NSW. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,488 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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. Christianity was the main religion in Charlestown, comprising 49.7% of the population. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to None% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Macedonian (1.1%), Welsh (0.7%), and French (0.6%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Charlestown compared to None% regionally each.

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, making up 15.6% of the population, while those aged 65-74 make up 8.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.6% to 15.6%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Charlestown's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 604 people (27%), from 2,230 to 2,835. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.