Islington

Population growth drivers in Islington are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Islington's population is estimated at around 2,234 people. This reflects an increase of 208 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,026 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,219 following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,146 persons per square kilometer, placing Islington in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 405 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Islington recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Islington averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 45 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. This results in around 7.4 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years, indicating demand outpacing supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $484,000.

In FY-26, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Islington's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Islington records 18.0% less building activity per person, placing it among the 39th percentile nationally, which may limit choices for buyers and support demand for existing properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from Islington's current housing composition, which is 56.0% houses. At around 446 people per approval, Islington indicates a mature market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Islington is expected to grow by 435 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified twelve projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, Hunter Park Precinct, and City of Newcastle Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023. 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 analysis indicates Islington maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Islington has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,467 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 74.2%, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly specialized, employing 2.1 times more residents than the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Islington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Islington had a median income among taxpayers of $57,714 and an average level of $69,971. These figures are higher than national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Islington would be approximately $64,992 (median) and $78,794 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 78th percentile ($995 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 19.2% of income, leaving disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Islington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 56.1% of dwellings were houses while 43.8% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Islington stood at 20.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 47.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent in Islington was $430, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Islington's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 53.7% of all households, including 17.7% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.3%, with lone person households at 33.6% and group households comprising 12.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Islington's educational attainment is notably high, with 41.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.5% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.9% and certificates make up 20.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in tertiary education, 6.0% in primary education, and 4.7% pursuing secondary education. Islington Public School serves the local community, enrolling 164 students as of a certain date. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1095. There is one school in Islington focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with 7.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Islington has 18 active public transport stops operating currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 15 different ones. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,187 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Islington is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 140 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 169 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Islington's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Islington's health data shows positive outcomes for its residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is relatively low among the general population but higher than the national average among older and at-risk groups. Approximately 55% (~1,219 people) have private health cover, a very high rate. Mental health issues affect 14.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.8%. About 68.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 10.5% (234 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Islington ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Islington's cultural diversity was below average, with 86.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 28.1% of Islington's population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.0% compared to 0.5% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (10.7%). Notable divergences included Welsh at 1.1% in Islington versus 0.8% regionally, Scottish at 9.8% versus 8.4%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Islington's population is younger than the national pattern

Islington's median age in 2021 was 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort was notably over-represented in Islington at 24.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds were under-represented at 6.9%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 22.1% to 24.2% of Islington's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 8.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Islington's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 194 people (36%), growing from 540 to 735 individuals. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to contract by 1 resident.