Gloucester

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis using ABS population updates and validated new addresses, the estimated population of the suburb of Gloucester stood at approximately 3,196 as of February 2026. This figure represents a rise of 63 individuals (around a 2% increase) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,133 residents. The current resident population estimate of 3,148 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of about 54 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing roughly 74% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. In terms of future population projections, a growth rate just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for the suburb of Gloucester. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is anticipated to grow by approximately 291 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 8.8% over these 17 years.

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

Gloucester recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with three more approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $363,000. This financial year, $318,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of NSW, where Gloucester shows a 65.0% reduction in construction per person. The majority of new developments consist of detached dwellings (88.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 12.0%, preserving the area's low density nature. As of now, there are an estimated 489 people per dwelling approval in Gloucester, reflecting its quiet development environment. By 2041, Gloucester is projected to grow by approximately 283 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key 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 strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent.

Of the 1,256 residents employed, the unemployment rate aligns with Rest of NSW's at 3.8%, but workforce participation is lower at 48.8%. Census data shows that 10.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high concentration with employment levels at 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%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on resident population vs working population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this growth is projected at 13.7%. Applying these projections to Gloucester's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

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 and the average is $46,153 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $40,471 (median) and $50,242 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gloucester fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. The income band of $400 - 799 captures 32.8% of the community, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. This indicates that 41.6% of residents have incomes below $800 per week. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, which ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Gloucester, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.9% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gloucester stood at 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Gloucester was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Gloucester's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly 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% couples with children, 34.8% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 31.3%. A total of 23.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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

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

Gloucester has 81 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 21 routes providing 662 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is rated excellent with residents typically living 117 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (89%), while 9% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 94 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Gloucester faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,446 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 12.1% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%), while 58.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 36.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,160 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW.

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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 91.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gloucester, comprising 62.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (33.8%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.5% in Gloucester than regionally at 4.6%. Macedonian and Samoan representations were lower at 0.1% each compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively.

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 65-74 year-olds are prominent at 17.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is above the national average of 9.5%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.3%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.4% and the 45-54 group dropped from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise substantially, expanding by 120 people (74%) from 162 to 283. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 60% of population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.