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 is estimated at 3,196 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 63 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.0% rise from the previous population count of 3,133. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,148 in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 54 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% to recent population gains in the suburb of Gloucester.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 290 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 7.6% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gloucester has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 28 homes were approved, with three more approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.2 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these years.

This indicates that supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $363,000. In FY-26, $318,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential construction. When measured against the Rest of NSW, Gloucester shows substantially reduced construction, with 66.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Nationally, Gloucester's construction levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings, at 86.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 14.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 530 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Gloucester is expected to grow by 242 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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 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: Hexham To Brisbane, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Gloucester has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in December 2025. There were 1,234 residents employed at this time, with the unemployment rate being 0.1% lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 47.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses showed that only 10.7% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors in Gloucester 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, with only 14.7% of Gloucester's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decrease of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Gloucester. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Gloucester's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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, based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average. In contrast, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $40,471 and the average will be around $50,242, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gloucester fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. The income analysis shows that 32.8% of residents earn between $400 - $799 per week (1,048 individuals), differing from regional patterns where earnings between $1,500 - $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. A significant proportion of residents (41.6%) have incomes below $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of the suburb. After accounting for housing costs, only 14% 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 dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Gloucester was $275, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gloucester's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 compose 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 comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the most common with a rate of 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - 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 served by 21 routes providing a total of 662 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at an 89% rate, while 9% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among younger and older age cohorts alike. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 45% of the total population (around 1,446 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 36.9% (around 1,179 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

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, accounting for 62.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (33.8%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation stood at 5.5%, higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Macedonian and Samoan populations were also notable, with 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 Regional NSW's average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent, making up 18.1% of the population, compared to the national average of 9.5%. In contrast, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.5%, which is smaller than Regional NSW's percentage. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.6%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 10.4% to 9.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise significantly, increasing by 115 people (68%) from 169 to 285. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 62% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts.