Ellalong

Ellalong 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Ellalong's population is estimated at around 1,648 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 297 people (22.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,351 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,511, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024, and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Ellalong's 22.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.7%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the Ellalong statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 351 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Ellalong among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Ellalong averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY26, there have been 8 recorded approvals. The average number of new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25 was 3.2, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $459,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $744,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Ellalong records around 68% of building activity per person and ranks among the 87th percentile nationally, despite recent increases in development activity. Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% medium-high density housing, preserving Ellalong's low-density nature while indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles. With approximately 98 people per dwelling approval, Ellalong exhibits growth area characteristics.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Ellalong is expected to grow by 136 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

No factors influence an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Cessnock City Council Operational Plan & Capital Works 2024-25, Hunter Water Renewable Energy Projects, Hunter Transmission Project, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. The following list details those most likely to be pertinent.

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The labour market performance in Ellalong lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Ellalong has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent.

Its unemployment rate is 6.4%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, Ellalong had 627 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 9.2% (3.8% above Rest of NSW), and workforce participation at 62.6%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. Mining stands out with a 3.2 times higher share compared to the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented, at 1.6% versus Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ellalong's labour force decreased by 3.0%, employment fell by 2.5%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Statewide, NSW's November 2025 data shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ellalong's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Ellalong is $48,007 and the average is $59,867 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,260 (median) and $65,171 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Ellalong rank modestly between the 33rd and 47th percentiles. In Ellalong, 38.2% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ellalong, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile.

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

Ellalong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings. Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Ellalong's home ownership rate was 34.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.4% and rented ones at 13.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ellalong was $1,798, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Ellalong was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Ellalong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.5% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Ellalong faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (35.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

Ellalong has 11 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 10 individual routes in total providing 87 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 246 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 12 trips per day, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Ellalong is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ellalong faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~834 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.7% across the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (11.1%) and mental health issues (10.2%).

Sixty-two point eight percent of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 62.6% in the rest of NSW. Ellalong has 15.6% (257 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 16.9% in the rest of NSW.

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

Ellalong's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.9% citizens, 92.3% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.0%, compared to 55.7% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.0%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.0%) and Hungarian (0.3%) populations were higher than regional averages, while New Zealanders (0.8%) were slightly overrepresented compared to the region's 0.5%.

Ellalong's population is younger than the national pattern

Ellalong's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.4% locally while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 9.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.9% to 5.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.8% to 15.4% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling indicates Ellalong's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 22%, adding 44 residents to reach 249. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.