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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Hamilton South is $1.61m, with units at $875k. House values have moved 0.8% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Hamilton South has an estimated 3,852 residents, down from 4,057 at the 2021 Census — a change of 205 people, or 5.1%. The population has thinned by an average 1.2% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. That puts 3,237 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader regional ABS population revisions alongside validated post-Census address records, the suburb of Hamilton South is estimated to have approximately 3,852 residents as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 2021 Census tally of 4,057 people, this represents a contraction of 205 people (5.1%). The figure is derived from an Estimated Resident Population of 3,845 determined from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 1 validated new addresses registered following the Census. With a resulting density of 3,237 persons per square kilometer, the suburb ranks in the upper quartile across national benchmark areas analyzed by AreaSearch.
Inbound international migration served as the virtually exclusive catalyst for local population increases in recent times. Projections for the suburb of Hamilton South incorporate the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 series based on 2022, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 modeling anchored to 2021 where required. Between 2032 and 2041, cohort-specific growth rates from these combined series are applied. Overall growth is anticipated to track slightly under the national regional median, with aggregated SA2 figures projecting an increase of 314 persons by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 8.0% across the 16-year projection horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in the area remain minimal, averaging fewer than 1 approvals per year and yielding a negligible cumulative total across the preceding five-year span. This subdued level of construction aligns with low-demand rural contexts where building activity is restricted by baseline housing requirements and local service thresholds. Given these minimal baseline volumes, percentage changes and comparative indices between years can display noticeable volatility from single developments. Residential building output in the area is substantially lower than levels observed across Rest of NSW, while also sitting significantly below national construction benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Hamilton South
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Hamilton South, worth an estimated $25 million. A further 59 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $71.6 billion. 20 are already under construction and 19 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure updates, major works, and strategic planning decisions exert a key influence on local growth and performance. AreaSearch has pinpointed 10 notable projects anticipated to shape the area, prominently including Lingard Private Hospital Expansion, The Merewether Residences, Parkway Avenue Roundabout Safety Improvements, and Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Development.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Parkway Avenue Roundabout Safety Improvements
Safety upgrades to two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue (at National Park Street and Smith Street) to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Works include kerb realignments, enlarged central islands, full width speed humps, raised shared path crossings (raised priority path crossings), new street lighting/signage, landscaping and off-road cyclist bypasses. Construction began 19 Aug 2025 with completion expected in early 2026.
Gregson Park Masterplan
A 10-year masterplan for Gregson Park in Hamilton, adopted by City of Newcastle Council on 23 November 2021 following community consultation and public exhibition. The plan celebrates the site's European and Indigenous heritage while renewing recreational facilities. The new inclusive playspace, featuring a six-metre climbing tower, nature and water play, a yarning circle and bush tucker garden, upgraded amenities building and covered picnic area, was completed and officially reopened on 4 October 2024. Remaining long-term priorities, subject to Council budget, include a community shelter on the former bowling club site, a multi-sports half court, resurfaced tennis courts, potential community gardens and kiosk, and demolition of the deteriorated glasshouse, with investigation works into its removal continuing subject to funding.
Hamilton South Social Housing Renewal
A major renewal of the Hamilton South public housing estate led by Homes NSW. The project prioritises tenant-led improvements and the formation of a Tenant Leadership Group in partnership with the Hunter Community Alliance, supported by $450,000 in funding over three years starting mid-2025. While focusing on critical maintenance and repairs, the project also explores long-term redevelopment of outdated properties into modern townhouses and mixed-tenure housing to address regional demand and improve community wellbeing.
Lingard Private Hospital Expansion
A major multi-stage expansion of Lingard Private Hospital involving the construction of a new hospital building and the refurbishment of existing facilities. The project includes a multi-storey extension providing additional wards, an imaging department, and operating theatres. The expansion increases the hospital's capacity from 125 to 210 licensed beds and expands the operating theatre count from 11 to 16. It also features a new Genea Clinic, additional consulting rooms, and enhanced parking facilities including a multi-level carpark.
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion
The Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion is a $137.3 million healthcare facility enhancement delivered by Ramsay Health Care at 3 Sydney Street in Gateshead. Approved as a State Significant Development by the NSW Independent Planning Commission, the project features a nine-storey extension delivering 114 additional inpatient beds, new operating theatres, and consulting suites. The expansion significantly enhances acute and surgical capacity in the Hunter region.
East End Newcastle
Iris Capital is delivering a $1 billion urban renewal project transforming four city blocks in Newcastle's historic East End. The final phase, comprising Stages 3 and 4, includes five distinct buildings: Lyrique, Kingston, Portline, Gibbs and Moore, and Bluebell. This release adds luxury apartments and a new Italian-inspired public Market Square with approximately 1,731 square metres of retail space. The project integrates heritage preservation of the former David Jones and Municipal buildings with modern resident amenities including a rooftop pool, gym, and hydrotherapy spa.The precinct is designed to reconnect the city with the harbor and is supported by significant public domain upgrades by the City of Newcastle.
Dairy Farmers Towers
A landmark redevelopment of the historic Dairy Farmers Corner featuring two residential towers of 30 and 25 storeys. The project delivers 191 luxury apartments and five levels of commercial space. It incorporates heritage-listed elements including the iconic glass milk bottle and clock tower into a public art installation. Resident amenities include a precinct pool, gym, wine bar with cellar, and a collaborative work hub.
The Store Newcastle
A major redevelopment of the historic former Newcastle Co-Operative Store site into two luxury residential towers reaching 28 and 30 storeys. The project features 352 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms. Residents have access to an acre of resort-style amenities including a swimming pool, tennis court, rooftop observation deck, and private event spaces. The ground floor integrates retail and commercial spaces, connecting directly to the Newcastle Interchange.
1,761 residents of Hamilton South are employed, from a labour force of 1,920. Unemployment sits at 8.3%, with participation at 59.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data synthesized by AreaSearch indicates an educated labor base with a notable presence in professional services alongside an unemployment rate of 8.3%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,761. The local unemployment level exceeds the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW by 4.2%, whereas the labor force participation rate aligns closely with the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census data also documented 34.8% of workers operating from home, an outcome influenced in part by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical.
Concentration is particularly pronounced within professional & technical roles, where employment reaches 2.1 times the regional norm. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.4% of the workforce relative to 5.3% regionally. Comparing Census working populations with resident totals suggests that this predominantly residential district provides limited internal job opportunities. AreaSearch analysis of broader ABS and SALM metrics indicates that in the year to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 3.7% and total employment dropped by 6.8%, driving an unemployment increase of 3.1 percentage points. Across Regional NSW over the same timeframe, employment diminished by 0.9%, the labor pool shrank by 0.4%, and unemployment ticked up by 0.5 percentage points. Broader insight into sector demand is offered by the Mar-26 national projections from Jobs and Skills Australia. While countrywide job totals are modeled to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years, industry variations exist; weighting these trajectories against the local industry distribution indicates potential employment growth of 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years (a mathematical extrapolation that excludes localized demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Hamilton South is $1,426 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $770 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,644 a year against an average of $67,682. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that taxpayers in the suburb of Hamilton South recorded a median income of $48,644 and an average of $67,682, aligning near national norms and comparing against $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated March 2026 approximations of $53,664 for the median and $74,667 for the average. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings placed modestly between the 30th and 42nd percentiles nationally.
The dominant individual income tier is $400 - 799, capturing 22.1% of residents (851 people), contrasting with the broader metropolitan concentration in the $1,500 - 2,999 band at 29.9%. The community exhibits economic diversity, encompassing lower-income cohorts (36.9%) as well as higher-earning households (28.6%). Non-housing expenditures account for 86.1% of income, positioning the area in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Hamilton South had 1,580 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 60% detached houses and 28% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 45% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $162 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,383 a month. Rent absorbs 11.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 38.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 60.1% separate houses and 39.9% other dwellings (including apartments and semi-detached properties), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings across Regional NSW. Outright home ownership stood at 32.4%, trailing Regional NSW benchmarks, while remaining homes were subject to a mortgage (22.9%) or occupied by tenants (44.7%). Monthly mortgage commitments averaged a median of $2,383, notably higher than the Regional NSW median of $1,733 and the national figure of $1,863. Conversely, median weekly rent was $162, substantially below the Regional NSW standard of $330 and the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Hamilton South counted 1,580 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 22% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 58.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children (26.9%), couples without children (21.8%), and single parent arrangements (8.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 41.8%, led by single-person residences at 37.3% and shared group homes at 4.4%. The average household accommodates a median of 2.3 people, marginally under the Regional NSW standard of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
38.0% of adults in Hamilton South hold a university qualification, including 25.4% with a bachelor degree and 8.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 98% of areas nationally. A further 19.4% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Higher education qualifications among residents aged 15+ reach 38.0%, substantially exceeding benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% across the SA4 region. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 25.4%, alongside postgraduate degrees (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational training is also well represented, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (19.4%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 33.5% of the population actively enrolled in an educational institution. This proportion includes 11.5% attending primary school, 8.1% in secondary school, and 7.5% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Hamilton South reaches 26 stops on 20 routes, timetabled for about 1,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 130 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity across the suburb of Hamilton South is supported by 26 active bus stops operating across 20 routes, generating 1,240 weekly passenger trips. Access is rated as excellent, with dwellings situated an average of 132 meters from the closest stop. Given the area's residential character, most work journeys are outward trips dominated by private vehicles at 88%, alongside 4% on foot and 3% via bicycle. Vehicle ownership sits below regional benchmarks at an average of 1.2 per dwelling. Additionally, 34.8% of workers commuted from home in the 2021 Census under prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Network operations deliver an average of 177 daily trips across all services, which corresponds to roughly 47 weekly trips per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.7% of residents in Hamilton South report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluation of chronic illnesses and mortality figures by AreaSearch reflects notable health challenges across younger and older demographics alike. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is slightly above the SA2 national average, encompassing approximately 54% of residents (~2,068 people). Mental health conditions and asthma constitute the leading diagnosed medical issues, reported by 10.9 and 9.3% of the community, respectively, while 62.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, closely matching the 63.3% figure across Regional NSW. Working-age residents experience an elevated prevalence of chronic illnesses. Older residents aged 65 and over make up 21.2% of the population (816 people), compared to 23.3% regionally, and face health challenges that register above general population baselines when evaluated nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Hamilton South is largely Australian-born, at 85.6% of residents, with 10.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.2%) and Australian (26.9%). 3.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics show 86.1% Australian citizenship, 85.6% Australian-born residents, and 89.1% of households using only English at home. Christianity represents the most common religious affiliation at 53.7%, compared with 55.9% across Regional NSW. Looking at parental country of birth, the primary ancestries reported are English (29.2%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (9.8%). Distinct local concentrations also appear among other heritages, including Greek at 3.1% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Welsh at 1.0% (versus 0.5%), and Macedonian at 0.9% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Hamilton South is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 23.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local age distribution aligns closely with Regional NSW benchmarks, showing a maximum variation of 3.8 percentage points. AreaSearch calculates a median age of 44 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census reading, 1 year higher than the Regional NSW Census median of 43, and older than the national Census figure of 38. The 45 - 64 age band has decreased from 29.5% at the Census to an estimated 27.6%. Between now and 2041, the 25 - 44 cohort is projected to see the strongest expansion, adding 197 residents (22%) to reach a total of 1,098.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Hamilton South
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 5 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,057 at the 2021 Census → 3,852 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11848). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.