Heddon Greta

Heddon Greta lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

The population of the Heddon Greta statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 3,966 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,128 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,838. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 3,891 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 416 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 798 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 39.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation by 2041, with the Heddon Greta (SA2) expected to increase by 1,232 persons, reflecting a gain of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Heddon Greta among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Heddon Greta has received around 95 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 476 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 29 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This indicates a balance between supply and demand, fostering stable market dynamics, with new dwellings developed at an average expected construction cost value of $351,000.

In this financial year alone, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Heddon Greta shows 227.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 94.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 80 people per dwelling approval, Heddon Greta shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Heddon Greta will gain 415 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area significantly. These key projects include The Loxford Estate, Avery's Rise, Heddon Greta South Road and Drainage Improvements, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041. Details about these projects can be found below, focusing on those most relevant to the area.

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.

Employment conditions in Heddon Greta demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Heddon Greta has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In this month, 1,635 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Heddon Greta was 69.7%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, mining employed 4.1 times the regional average proportion of workers, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population versus resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, alongside a 2.1% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points, while Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heddon Greta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Heddon Greta had a median taxpayer income of $66,464 and an average income of $77,915 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average), specifically for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,353 (median) and $84,818 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Heddon Greta are around the 71st percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant with 43.2% of residents (1,713 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile.

Heddon Greta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Heddon Greta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heddon Greta was at 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.4% and rented ones at 26.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Heddon Greta was $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Heddon Greta's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Heddon Greta features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 85.7% of all households, including 42.0% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.3%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Heddon Greta exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among those with higher education qualifications at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (39.4%). Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.8% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Heddon Greta has 23 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 27 routes, offering a total of 288 weekly passenger trips. The transport system is rated as good, with residents located an average of 209 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Heddon Greta faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,288 people), compared to 53.7% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.2 and 9.4% of residents respectively. 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 9.4% of residents aged 65 and over (372 people), which is lower than the 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Heddon Greta's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 94.7% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Heddon Greta, comprising 52.2% of people, compared to 55.7% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Heddon Greta are Australian (33.8%), English (31.1%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, Welsh ethnicity is overrepresented at 0.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 6.4%, and Macedonian at 0.1% compared to regional figures of 0.5%, 6.3%, and 0.0% respectively.

Heddon Greta's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in Heddon Greta is 32 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years, and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Heddon Greta has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (18.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.5%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 14.4% to 15.9%, while the age group of 25 to 34 increased from 17.5% to 18.9%. Conversely, the age group of 45 to 54 declined from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, Heddon Greta is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 811 people from 630. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.