Gateshead

Gateshead is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Gateshead's population is estimated at around 3,365 people, reflecting an increase of 244 individuals since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 3,121 people in the suburb. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data, which stood at 3,343 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. Gateshead's population density is approximately 615 persons per square kilometer. The suburb experienced a growth rate of 7.8% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, surpassing both the SA3 area (2.9%) and non-metro areas. Natural growth contributed around 50% to Gateshead's overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for covered areas. For uncovered SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for years 2032 to 2041 across all areas. By 2041, Gateshead is expected to increase its population by around 356 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 5.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Gateshead recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 111 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.9, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $625,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Compared to Rest of NSW, Gateshead records 69.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 91.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Gateshead reflects a developing area with around 188 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Gateshead will gain approximately 200 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion, 27 Dickinson Street Residential Development, Macquarie Tower, and Harold Knight Sports Complex Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Gateshead recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Gateshead has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,540 residents are employed, the unemployment rate is 6.7%, and workforce participation is 54.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.4 times regional average), construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.6% of local workers. There are 1.1 workers per resident, indicating Gateshead functions as an employment hub attracting external workers.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gateshead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Gateshead's median income among taxpayers is $39,152. The average income in Gateshead during this period was $52,427. Both figures are below the national averages. Comparatively, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 in the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since then, current estimates suggest Gateshead's median income would be approximately $44,089 as of September 2025, with the average being around $59,038 during this period. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Gateshead fall between the 13th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.1% of residents (979 people) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, reflecting a similar pattern seen in the region where 29.9% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gateshead, with only 78.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

Gateshead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Gateshead, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gateshead was 23.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,705, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Gateshead was $300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $370 and the national average of $375.

Gateshead features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.4% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 20.2% couples without children, and 20.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, substantially below NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 33.2%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.1% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Gateshead's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,416 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 71.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Gateshead has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 41 different routes that together facilitate 1,032 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 140 meters.

On average, there are 147 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gateshead is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Gateshead as of [insert date], with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,606 people), compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 14.2 and 11.7% of residents respectively, while 53.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW.

As of [insert date], 14.8% of Gateshead's residents are aged 65 and over (498 people), which is lower than the 21.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Gateshead, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a lower than average cultural diversity level. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 91.0% holding citizenship. Birthplace-wise, 92.5% were born in Australia.

English was spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 45.6% of Gateshead's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.6%, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 0.4%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (34.5%), English (28.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%) were the top groups in Gateshead, with the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 3.4%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh (0.8% vs 0.8% regionally), Samoan (0.7% vs 0.2%), and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.4%) were relatively overrepresented in Gateshead compared to the rest of NSW.

Gateshead's population is younger than the national pattern

Gateshead's median age in 2021 is 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Gateshead has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 18.5% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 16.9% to 18.5%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Gateshead's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 147 people (24%), from 622 to 770. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.