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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Fennell Bay is $880k, with units at $525k. House values have moved 4.8% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Fennell Bay has an estimated 1,863 residents, up from 1,780 at the 2021 Census — a change of 83 people, or 4.7%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. That puts 685 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Fennell Bay is estimated at approximately 1,863, according to AreaSearch assessment combining ABS regional figures with 9 validated new addresses confirmed following the Census. This represents an expansion of 83 residents (4.7%) from the 1,780 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, aligning with an AreaSearch resident population estimate of 1,859 based on the June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) release. The resulting population density stands at 684 persons per square kilometer, indicating generous space per resident along with capacity for future growth.
Over the last ten years, the suburb of Fennell Bay has achieved a 1.1% compound annual growth rate, outperforming the Rest of NSW, with interstate migration serving as the principal growth driver by generating roughly 85.0% of recent population additions. Demographic projections adopted by AreaSearch utilize 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models baseline-set to 2022 across SA2 areas, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 releases with a 2021 base year where necessary, incorporating age-bracket growth trajectories for 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb of Fennell Bay is anticipated to track above the national non-metropolitan median, with aggregated SA2 figures pointing to an increase of 412 persons by 2041, representing overall growth of 21.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
127 new dwellings have been approved in Fennell Bay over the past five years, an average of 25 a year. That places the area in the 50th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 13 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building approvals examined by AreaSearch via ABS statistical data indicate that Fennell Bay averages approximately 25 residential consent grants each year, totaling roughly 127 approved dwellings across the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 5 recorded to date in FY-25. Across those 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an average of 3.1 inbound residents arrived for every new home built, creating demand conditions that outpace supply and foster competitive buyer dynamics. New dwellings reflect an average expected construction cost of $631,000, underscoring an emphasis by developers on higher-end builds, alongside $1.5 million in commercial approvals lodged this financial year that highlights the predominantly residential environment.
Residential building volume in Fennell Bay sits 56.0% below the per-capita rate recorded across the Rest of NSW, a constrained supply profile that helps uphold pricing and interest in established stock. Planning approvals show 86.0% detached houses against 14.0% medium and high-density formats, preserving the neighbourhood's open, family-oriented environment. Reflecting an average of approximately 232 people per dwelling approval, the locality maintains distinct low-density urban characteristics. According to the latest quarterly projections from AreaSearch, Fennell Bay is slated to add 408 inhabitants by 2041. Prevailing construction trends suggest that upcoming residential additions should comfortably satisfy housing requirements, supporting favourable conditions for prospective purchasers and potentially enabling population expansion above baseline expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Fennell Bay
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 20 current infrastructure and development projects close to Fennell Bay, worth an estimated $494 million. 7 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital works, major planning initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades play a critical role in shaping regional outcomes. AreaSearch has identified no projects within the locality that are expected to generate direct local impact, though broader regional developments such as the 114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development, Speers Point Transport Improvements, Rathmines Park Transformation, and Costco Lake Macquarie Warehouse remain key projects of surrounding relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lake Macquarie High School HPGE Upgrades
Upgrade of Lake Macquarie High School under the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Partner School Program. Works include a refreshed school entrance, VET hospitality classroom, upgraded TAS and woodwork facilities, art room, music recording space, new shade structure and sports upgrades, plus a marine studies laboratory and workshop. As of the March 2026 project update, the major facility upgrades including the marine studies, hospitality, sporting facilities and TAS works have been completed, with the overall project remaining in progress while remaining Stage 2 works are finalized.
Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation
A $10 million transformation of the Toronto foreshore featuring continuous waterfront pathway, expanded playground, new town green, improved connections, expanded cafe area, boardwalk connections, extended shared pathway, bike hub, new lookout locations, shade pavilion and barbecue facilities. The project is being delivered across four precincts with Town Green Precinct completed in 2022.
114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development
Five-storey twin towers mixed-use development featuring 108 residential units, commercial premises, and basement parking.
136-138 Brighton Avenue Apartment Development
A low-rise 5-floor apartment building with 28 residential units, 1 commercial unit, and 29 car spaces in Toronto.
Speers Point Transport Improvements
A $16 million infrastructure upgrade to the Speers Point transport network managed by Transport for NSW to ease congestion and improve traffic flow[cite: 1]. Key works centre on the roundabout connecting Five Islands Road, T C Frith Avenue, and The Esplanade with part-time metering signals, turning lanes, and active transport upgrades[cite: 1]. The project is currently progressing through planning and design development following community consultation[cite: 1].
83 Jonathan Street Residential Subdivision
A boutique residential subdivision of approximately 1.25 hectares into 13 low-density lots in a quiet cul-de-sac in Eleebana, with part of the site designated for environmental conservation. The project includes demolition of existing dwelling and offers family-friendly access to schools, recreation, and Lake Macquarie foreshore. Development approval granted, subdivision works certificate approved, lots currently being sold with settlement upon registration.
Bareki Road, Eleebana to Valentine Shared Path
The project aims to identify a route for a safe, easy-to-use shared path facility connecting existing sections of the regional cycleway network between Eleebana and Croudace Bay, addressing a missing link between Eleebana Lions Park and Thomas H. Halton Park as part of the Walking, Cycling and Better Streets Strategy.
Munibung Road Boolaroo Residential Precinct (Cockle Creek TOD)
Rezoning of government-owned land at the former Pasminco site to enable a major residential precinct with up to 1200 new homes, as part of the NSW Government Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program for the Cockle Creek area. The land will be rezoned to allow for residential development as well as future public space, retail, and commercial uses near Cockle Creek train station. The rezoning proposal is being finalised by the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), Lake Macquarie Council, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
846 residents of Fennell Bay are employed, from a labour force of 904. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, with participation at 58.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,497, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce figures aggregated by AreaSearch show Fennell Bay possessing a capable talent pool with prominent representation in construction, alongside an overall unemployment rate of 6.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents count 846, while joblessness sits 2.2% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and labour force participation is recorded at 58.4% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census returns indicated that 18.4% of workers operated from home, though Covid-19 restrictions at the time should be taken into account. The primary sectors providing jobs for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction displays notable local concentration, with resident engagement reaching 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.7% of the workforce in Fennell Bay compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. Comparing resident worker counts with Census local workplace figures indicates that internal job generation remains modest. An examination of ABS and SALM statistical data by AreaSearch reveals that over the 12-month period, the local labour pool contracted by 0.1% while employment fell by 2.9%, leading to a 2.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 0.9%, the labour force contract by 0.4%, and joblessness rise by 0.5 percentage points. Looking forward, Jobs and Skills Australia projections from Mar-26 model nationwide employment growth of 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years. Weighting these projections against the industry profile of Fennell Bay indicates prospective local job gains of 6.4% across five years and 13.4% over ten years, providing an illustrative industry baseline that excludes localized demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Fennell Bay is $1,375 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $700 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,603 a year against an average of $65,885. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in the suburb of Fennell Bay sit slightly below nationwide benchmarks, showing a median of $50,603 and an average of $65,885, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Accounting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates place local figures at approximately $55,825 for median earnings and $72,684 for average earnings. The 2021 Census positioned personal, family, and household incomes between the 26th and 28th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows 31.3% of workers (583 residents) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, mirroring the regional proportion of 29.9%. Affordability constraints remain pronounced, with retained income standing at 83.4%, which places the area in the 26th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Fennell Bay had 698 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 6% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $368 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,734 a month. Rent absorbs 26.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 29.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that the housing stock in Fennell Bay consists of 88.1% standalone houses and 11.9% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, contrasting with Regional NSW where houses comprise 82.6% and other formats make up 17.4%. Outright home ownership matches the Regional NSW benchmark at 41.3%, with 34.8% of properties under a mortgage and 24.0% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality is $1,734 compared to $1,733 regionally, while median weekly rent is $368 against $330 across Regional NSW. On a nationwide scale, local mortgage commitments remain below the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents sit under the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Fennell Bay counted 698 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family dwellings comprise 70.8% of all households, consisting of 31.6% childless couples, 24.4% couples with dependent children, and 12.7% single parent arrangements. Non-family households represent the remaining 29.2%, encompassing lone occupant homes at 27.2% and group living arrangements at 2.4%. The median household size of 2.4 residents aligns with the Regional NSW norm.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.7% of adults in Fennell Bay hold a university qualification, including 12.4% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 86% of areas nationally. A further 32.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 172 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 893 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in the area presents an opportunity for advancement, with 17.7% of residents holding higher education degrees compared to the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. Bachelor qualifications make up 12.4%, postgraduate degrees account for 3.1%, and graduate diplomas represent 2.2%. In contrast, vocational and technical qualifications are well represented, with 42.3% of individuals aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, comprising certificates (32.5%) and advanced diplomas (9.8%). A total of 24.9% of the local population is enrolled in formal educational courses. Within this cohort, secondary schooling accounts for 7.6%, primary education comprises 7.4%, and tertiary programs involve 4.2% of residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Fennell Bay reaches 15 stops on 45 routes, timetabled for about 600 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit analysis shows 15 operational public transport stops across Fennell Bay providing bus services. A network of 45 separate routes services these stops, delivering 604 weekly passenger departures. Transport access is strong, with residents living an average of 181 meters from their closest stop. Given the suburb's residential focus, the majority commute outward, with private vehicles accounting for 96% of journeys and vehicle ownership averaging 1.6 per household, while 18.4% worked from home at the 2021 Census under prevailing COVID-19 settings. Across the entire route network, transit frequencies average 86 daily trips, translating to approximately 40 weekly services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.0% of residents in Fennell Bay report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 86% of areas nationally. 6.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics evaluated by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges in Fennell Bay, reflecting elevated chronic condition rates and mortality patterns across older and younger cohorts alike, while private health insurance membership stands at approximately 53% of residents (~987 people), slightly exceeding the typical SA2 level. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, diagnosed in 11.4 and 10.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.0% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health issues are evident among working-age individuals through elevated chronic illness rates.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 21.2% of the local community (394 people), lower than the 23.3% seen across Regional NSW, with senior health indicators broadly tracking general population benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Fennell Bay is largely Australian-born, at 89.3% of residents, with 4.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.7%) and Australian (30.7%). 5.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Fennell Bay tracks below broader averages, with Australian citizens comprising 90.2% of residents, 89.3% born domestically, and 95.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity forms the predominant faith at 52.3% of the populace. Meanwhile, Judaism shows a notable local divergence at 0.2% of the community compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW. Ancestry figures show that the three most prevalent parent heritage backgrounds in Fennell Bay are English (31.7%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notable variations appear in other ancestries, including Welsh at 0.8% locally versus 0.5% regionally, Australian Aboriginal representation at 5.6% compared to 4.6% across the region, and Samoan heritage at 0.3% against 0.1% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Fennell Bay is 44, older than 80% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 24.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Fennell Bay closely tracks the Regional NSW profile, with variations remaining within 2.5 percentage points. AreaSearch estimates the median age at 44 as at August 2026, slightly lower than the 45 recorded during the 2021 Census, 1 year higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 at that Census, and above the Australian Census benchmark of 38. Young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) have risen from 23.0% to an estimated 26.0% since the Census. By 2041, this 25 - 44 age cohort is forecast to experience the largest numerical increase, adding 186 residents (38%) to reach a total of 670.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Fennell Bay
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 9 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,780 at the 2021 Census → 1,863 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11503). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.