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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, Clarence Town statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,422 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 157 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,265 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,319 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Clarence Town's growth of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 78.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecasted, with Clarence Town expected to increase by 703 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 25.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 indicates approximately 7 new homes approved annually in Clarence Town over the past five financial years, totalling around 35 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers.

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 reached $581,000, indicating a residential area. Compared to Rest of NSW, Clarence Town has 71.0% less construction per person, which may reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes. Recent periods have seen increased development activity, but it remains below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints. All new constructions since FY21 have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character favoured by families seeking space.

With around 245 people per approval, Clarence Town reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 624 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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 has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are the 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. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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 has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,156 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 62.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction stands out with levels 1.5 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is relatively under-represented at 12.3% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, with employment down by 2.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-wide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Clarence Town has a median taxpayer income of $52,787 and an average income of $69,349 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $57,464 (median) and $75,493 (average), factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Clarence Town cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 37.0% of the community (896 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% others. Home ownership in Clarence Town stood at 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. Median weekly rent in Clarence Town 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 the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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%. Bachelor degrees are 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 them - advanced diplomas account for 11.7% and certificates for 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 75 operational 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 considered good, with residents usually located about 231 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, which amounts 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, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~1,316 people) of Clarence Town residents have private health cover. Mental health issues affect 10.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.9%. Notably, 64.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across the rest of NSW. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) comprising 17.3%, or 419 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 findings, exhibited lower cultural diversity levels compared to average standards. The population breakdown showed that 94.0% were born in Australia, with 95.7% holding citizenship status, and a majority of 98.5% spoke English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Clarence Town, accounting for 51.6% of its residents, which is slightly lower than the 55.7% figure recorded across Rest of NSW.

Analyzing ancestry based on parental birth countries, Australians constituted the largest group at 36.6%, followed by English at 31.0%, and Scottish at 9.0%. Notably, Australian Aboriginals were disproportionately represented in Clarence Town at 4.9%, compared to the regional average of 6.3%. Similarly, Samoans showed a higher representation at 0.2% locally versus 0.1% regionally, and Polish individuals made up 0.7% of Clarence Town's population against the regional figure of 0.5%.

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 proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the population aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.5% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clarence Town's age structure, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 39%, reaching a total of 421 people from the previous count of 302.