Hamilton (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Hamilton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Hamilton (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,628 people. This figure reflects an increase of 14 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,614 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,564 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,282 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the Hamilton (NSW) (SA2) is expected to increase by 560 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 15.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Hamilton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Hamilton experienced around 16 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 82 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY26 so far. This indicates solid demand supporting property values, with an average of 2.7 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these five years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $593,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment. In FY26, there have been $10.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Relative to Rest of NSW, Hamilton shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and places among the 80th percentile nationally, though recent construction activity has intensified. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 5.0% detached dwellings and 95.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 58.0% houses). Hamilton shows characteristics of a low density area with around 138 people per dwelling approval.

Looking ahead, Hamilton is expected to grow by approximately 710 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Parkway Avenue Roundabout Safety Improvements, Gregson Park Masterplan, Hamilton South Social Housing Renewal, and Newcastle Future Transit Corridor. 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 assessment positions Hamilton ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Hamilton has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6% by AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, Hamilton had 3,051 residents in work and an unemployment rate of 0.8% below the Rest of NSW average. Workforce participation was higher than standard at 66.3%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training.

Hamilton specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level but has a lower proportion of workers in agriculture, forestry & fishing (0.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%). The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates higher local employment opportunities than usual. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force increased by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had 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 suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Hamilton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Hamilton suburb is $56,186, with average income at $77,924. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $61,164 (median) and $84,828 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 data indicates personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($888 weekly), with household income at the 46th percentile. Income distribution shows 31.4% of Hamilton's population falls within $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan region (29.9%). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Hamilton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census data shows that in Hamilton, 58.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 41.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hamilton was 29.7%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (24.3%) or rented (46.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hamilton was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Hamilton was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.0% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.0%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 11.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Hamilton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Hamilton's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 38.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW (21.3%) and the SA4 region (26.1%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 19.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.3% in tertiary, 6.3% in primary, and 4.8% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 34 active transport stops operating within Hamilton. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 25 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 6,516 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 930 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 191 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hamilton is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Hamilton faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions notably prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2670 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 12.8% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 8.8%. A total of 63.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.9% across Rest of NSW. There are 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (888 people), which is higher than the 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Hamilton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hamilton's cultural diversity was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Hamilton was Christianity, comprising 40.6% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW.

Top three represented ancestry groups were English (27.5%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and Macedonian (1.2%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% each, while Scottish representation was slightly higher at 9.0%.

Hamilton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Hamilton's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 43 but matches the national norm also at 38. The 25-34 age group makes up a significant portion of Hamilton's population at 18.7%, compared to Rest of NSW. However, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent in Hamilton at 6.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.9% to 18.7% of Hamilton's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Hamilton's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 34%, adding 290 people and reaching a total of 1,156 from the current 865. Meanwhile, populations in the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to decline.