Coniston

An assessment of population growth drivers in Coniston 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 Coniston is around 2,406, reflecting a growth of 139 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 6.1% change from the previous population count of 2,267. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing a resident population of 2,322. Coniston's population density stands at 2,269 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the 2021 Census exceeds that of the Rest of NSW, marking it as a regional growth leader with a 6.1% increase compared to the region's 5.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 814 persons, reflecting a total gain of 32.0% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Coniston, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Coniston averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 38 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. Over these five years, there was an average of 0.3 new residents per year arriving per new home.

New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new properties constructed is $536,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. New building activity shows 12.0% detached houses and 88.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the current housing composition of 51.0% houses. Coniston has around 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Future projections show Coniston adding 771 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Coniston has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include the Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade, Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), Wollongong Hospital ED Short Stay Units, and Kenny Street Mixed-Use Tower. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 conditions in Coniston face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Coniston's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.9% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Coniston had an unemployment rate 4.0% higher at 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 65.5%. A high proportion of residents, 30.3%, worked from home according to Census responses. Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered in this figure.

Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Coniston has a notable employment specialization in finance & insurance with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as of the Census, indicating a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Coniston's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Coniston has a lower income level compared to national averages, as per latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Coniston is $44,272, with an average income of $60,504. These figures contrast with those of Rest of NSW, which are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Considering the Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $48,194 (median) and $65,865 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Coniston rank modestly, between the 36th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.8% of the population, comprising 765 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coniston, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Advantage (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coniston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Coniston, as per the latest Census, consisted of 50.8% houses and 49.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coniston was at 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Coniston was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Coniston's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Coniston features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 62.6% of all households, including 25.1% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Coniston shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 27.3%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 23.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.9% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Coniston has 24 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 routes that facilitate 2,186 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 154 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 312 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Coniston faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 51% (~1,224 people) of Coniston's total population has private health cover. Mental health issues affect 10.0% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.8%. Notably, 64.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population in Coniston faces substantial health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of December 2021, 18.9% (454 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Coniston was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coniston's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.9% born overseas and 33.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coniston, comprising 55.2%. Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 4.2% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (20.8%), Australian (20.2%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Macedonian (9.2%) was significantly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, while Serbian (3.4%) and Croatian (1.9%) also showed higher representation than regionally (0.2% and 0.3%, respectively).

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

Coniston has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 19.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Following the census held on 24 August 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 38. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.8% to 19.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.9%. By 2041, Coniston is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 52%, adding 250 residents to reach a total of 729.