East Maitland

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Maitland reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, East Maitland's population is estimated at around 12,162. This reflects an increase of 302 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,860. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 12,139 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 763 persons per square kilometer. East Maitland's growth of 2.5% since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the non-metro area (5.1%). Natural growth contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities. East Maitland is expected to grow by 2,088 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows East Maitland recorded around 30 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 152 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.7 people per year. This suggests balanced supply and demand dynamics, with new properties constructed at an average value of $520,000.

In FY-26, there have been $12.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating active commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, East Maitland has significantly lower construction levels, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Additionally, recent construction comprises 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 74.0% houses pattern. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 385 people, reflecting East Maitland's quiet development environment. Future projections indicate East Maitland adding 2,068 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may impact this area. Key projects include East Maitland Catalyst Area, Stony Pinch Urban Development, Wallis Meadows Estate, and Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project. 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, East Maitland has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

East Maitland has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 5,846 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 58.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. East Maitland has a particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1% and employment fell by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Maitland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

East Maitland's median income among taxpayers was $51,917 and average income stood at $63,752 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for East Maitland would be approximately $58,464 (median) and $71,791 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in East Maitland rank modestly, between the 30th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 29.5% of the population (3,587 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 East Maitland, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

East Maitland's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Maitland was at 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. Median weekly rent in East Maitland was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, East Maitland's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

East Maitland features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households at 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate in 2016 was 20.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials were held by 40.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 29.3%. Educational participation was high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

East Maitland had six schools educating approximately 3,167 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 997) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools included two primary, two secondary, and two K-12 institutions. School capacity exceeded residential needs, with 26.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, indicating East Maitland served as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

East Maitland has 149 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 153 individual routes operating, providing a total of 6,189 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 137 meters. On average, there are 884 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per stop.

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

East Maitland faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent here than average, at approximately 52% (~6,343 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.3 and 10.3% of residents respectively. Only 60.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (20.6%, or 2,505 people), compared to the Rest of NSW at 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors reflect broader population trends.

East Maitland is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

East Maitland, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly citizens (91.3%), born in Australia (90.3%), and speaking English only at home (94.7%). Christianity was the main religion, with 56.6% adherents, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 57.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (9.0%). Notable differences existed in Welsh (0.7%, vs regional 0.6%), Australian Aboriginal (4.5%, vs 5.1%), and Samoan (0.2%, vs 0.1%) representation.

East Maitland's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Maitland is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The proportion of individuals aged 25-34 is notably higher at 14.1% compared to the Rest of NSW average. Conversely, those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 10.4%. In the 2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 34 increased from 13.1% to 14.1%, while the proportion aged 5 to 14 decreased from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, East Maitland's population is projected to see significant changes. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 590 people (34%), increasing from 1,714 to 2,305. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are anticipated to decrease in population.