Clarence Town

Clarence Town lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Clarence Town, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and validated addresses, stood at approximately 2,221 people as of November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 44 individuals compared to the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,265. The current resident population is estimated at 2,166 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration was the primary driver for population growth in Clarence Town, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, a significant population increase is forecasted for Clarence Town, with an expected rise of 693 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 36.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Clarence Town according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Clarence Town had approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 33 homes. In FY-26 to date, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 3.3 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction cost value for new homes is around $467,000.

In the current financial year, $825,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Rest of NSW, where Clarence Town has 72.0% less development activity per person. This scarcity of new dwellings can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. The area's recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with an estimated 517 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Clarence Town is expected to grow by 815 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Looking ahead, Clarence Town is expected to grow by 815 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Clarence Town has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region. Key projects include the Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct, Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program, Port Stephens Housing Delivery Program, and Nelson Bay Road Duplication - Williamtown to Bobs Farm. The following 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 Clarence Town shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Clarence Town has a balanced workforce with diverse white and blue collar jobs. Construction stands out among sectors, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In Clarence Town, 1,089 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is high at 62.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.3% of Clarence Town's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.8%, and employment declined by 4.5% in Clarence Town, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clarence Town's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Clarence Town had a median taxpayer income of $52,787 and an average income of $69,349 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $59,443 and average income is around $78,094, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since the financial year 2022. In 2021 Census figures, incomes in Clarence Town clustered around the 54th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 37.0% of the community (821 individuals), similar to the broader regional trend of 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.2% of income remained for other expenses. Clarence Town's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Clarence Town is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clarence Town's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clarence Town was 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.0% and rented ones at 9.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,993, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $365, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Clarence Town's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Clarence Town features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 82.3% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 17.7%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Clarence Town fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 36.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education. Clarence Town Public School serves the local area, enrolling 150 students. It offers typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education. School places per 100 residents are 6.8, below the regional average of 13.0, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Clarence Town has 65 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 15 individual routes that collectively facilitate 100 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 227 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Clarence Town is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clarence Town faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,207 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% across the rest of NSW.

Mental health issues affect 10.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.9%. Around 64.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in the rest of NSW. The area has 17.2% (382 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors facing health challenges broadly similar to those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Clarence Town placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clarence Town, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 94.0% of its residents born in Australia, 95.7% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.6% of Clarence Town's population, compared to 55.7% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, Australians comprised 36.6%, followed by English at 31.0%, and Scottish at 9.0%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented in Clarence Town at 4.9% (regional average is 6.3%), Samoans at 0.2% (vs regional 0.1%), and Polish at 0.7% (vs regional 0.5%).

Clarence Town's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Clarence Town is 39 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but closely matches Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Clarence Town has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 decreased from 13.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Clarence Town's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 50%, increasing from 279 to 420 people.