Gloucester

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

Gloucester's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 3,197 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 64 people (2.0%) compared to the previous count of 3,133 in 2021. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,148 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Gloucester (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate an increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with Gloucester expected to grow by 299 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Gloucester recorded approximately 5 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 29 homes were approved, with 3 more in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year.

The average construction cost for new homes was $363,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $318,000, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gloucester had 65.0% fewer constructions per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, it reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New developments consisted of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 489 people. By 2041, Gloucester is projected to grow by 284 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Gloucester has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to affect this region. Notable projects include Mixed-Use Development Opportunity at 138 Church Street, Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, Pacific Highway Upgrade from Hexham to Brisbane, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. 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.

While Gloucester retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Gloucester's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025, matching Rest of NSW's rate.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. Among residents, dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 1.4 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Gloucester's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years based on its current industry mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Gloucester is $37,177, with an average of $46,153 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode-level ATO data for the financial year 2023. This is lower than both the national median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, considering an 8.86% increase since 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $40,471 (median) and $50,242 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Gloucester falling between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.8% of residents earn between $400 - 799 weekly, compared to regional levels where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 29.9%. A significant proportion (41.6%) of residents earn less than $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets after housing costs. After accounting for housing expenses, only 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Gloucester's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gloucester was at 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Gloucester was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.4% of all households, including 17.3% that are couples with children, 34.8% that are couples without children, and 10.4% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.3%).

A substantial 23.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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

Gloucester's public transport analysis shows 82 active stops operating within the city. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 21 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 662 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from their nearest stop. Service frequency averages 94 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

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

Gloucester faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 45% (~1,447 individuals) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (affecting 12.1% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 58.1% claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 57.7%. The area has a larger elderly population, with 36.4% (~1,163 individuals) aged 65 and over, compared to Rest of NSW's 30.4%.

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

Gloucester has a cultural diversity below average, with 91.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 62.2%, compared to 57.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (33.8%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.5% in Gloucester versus 5.8% regionally, Macedonian at 0.1% versus 0%, and Samoan at 0.1% versus 0%.

Gloucester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Gloucester's median age is 55 years, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-olds are particularly prominent at 18.3%, while the 25-34 year-olds make up only 7.2% of the population, compared to a higher percentage in the Rest of NSW. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.7%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 10.4% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Gloucester's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 117 people (72%) from 163 to 281. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 58% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts.