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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Clarence Town is around 2,422, showing an increase of 157 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,265. This growth reflects a resident population estimate of 2,319 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 26 persons per square kilometer. Clarence Town's population growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the Rest of NSW's rate of 5.9%. Interstate migration contributed around 78.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Clarence Town is expected to increase its population by 701 persons to reach approximately 3,123 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 25.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Clarence Town recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis shows Clarence Town had approximately 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totaling about 35 homes. As of FY26, there have been 4 approvals recorded. On average, around 3.1 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes is $467,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $581,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Clarence Town has significantly reduced construction (71.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity, albeit still below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints. All new construction in the area consists of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 245 people per approval, Clarence Town reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 625 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project potentially affecting this region: Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct, Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program, Port Stephens Housing Delivery Program, and Nelson Bay Road Duplication from Williamtown to Bobs Farm are key projects, with the following list detailing 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.

Employment performance in Clarence Town exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clarence Town's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs. Notably, the construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%. As of September 2025, 1,151 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Clarence Town mirrors that of Rest of NSW at 61.5%. According to Census data, 22.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction jobs are particularly high, at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, with only 12.3% of Clarence Town's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Locally, employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1%, with employment down by 2.4%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decrease of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Clarence Town is $52,787, with an average of $69,349, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,464 (median) and $75,493 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clarence Town are at the 54th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 37.0% of the community, with 896 individuals, which is consistent with regional levels showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Clarence Town, as per the latest Census, was composed of 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Clarence Town was 36.0%, with mortgaged properties at 55.0% and rented dwellings at 9.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,993, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Clarence Town was recorded at $365, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Clarence Town's mortgage repayments were higher than 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 constitute 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 the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity 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 prevalent, with 48.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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 education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clarence Town has 76 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 120 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to Clarence Town being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling in Clarence Town, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.2% of Clarence Town's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% of Clarence Town residents have private health cover, compared to 51.9% across the rest of NSW. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3% and 9.9% of residents respectively. About 64.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 63.3% reported across the rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. Clarence Town has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (17.4%, or 421 people) compared to the rest of NSW (23.4%). While senior health outcomes present some challenges, they align broadly with national rankings for 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's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 94.0% having been born there, and 95.7% being citizens. The majority of residents spoke English only at home, at 98.5%. Christianity was the prevalent religion in Clarence Town, accounting for 51.6% of its population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 36.6%, higher than the regional average of 30.0%. English and Scottish groups followed at 31.0% and 9.0% respectively. Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were slightly overrepresented in Clarence Town at 4.9%, compared to 4.6% regionally. Samoan residents made up 0.2%, higher than the regional average of 0.1%, and Polish residents comprised 0.7%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

Clarence Town's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Clarence Town is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Clarence Town has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the population aged 45-54 declined from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clarence Town's age structure, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 40%, increasing from 300 to 421 people.