Islington

Population growth drivers in Islington are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Islington statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,378. This reflects a growth of 352 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,026. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,319 based on ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,349 persons per square kilometer, placing Islington (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 17.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 5.7% and SA3 area's growth rate. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Islington (SA2) is expected to grow by an above median rate nationally, with an increase of 430 persons projected by 2041. This reflects a total growth of 13.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Islington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Islington averaging around 12 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 63 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 5.3 new residents per home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $484,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Islington records elevated construction activity at 13.0% above the Rest of NSW average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although recent periods have shown some moderation in development activity. The new development consists of 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix (currently 56.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Islington reflects a highly mature market with around 743 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Islington will gain approximately 316 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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 region. Notable initiatives 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.

The employment landscape in Islington shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Islington has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year.

In comparison to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, Islington's unemployment rate is 0.5% higher. Workforce participation in Islington is significantly higher at 74.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, professional & technical services employ 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers, which is below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. While there are employment opportunities in Islington, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force increased by 3.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

In AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Islington had a median taxpayer income of $57,714 and an average income of $69,971. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,827 and an average of $76,170, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 78th percentile ($995 weekly) and household income at the 54th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 37.0% of Islington's population (879 individuals), similar to regional levels where 29.9% fell into this bracket. High housing costs consumed 19.2% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking was 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, with the remaining 43.8% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, 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 was $2,000, exceeding the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,962. The median weekly rent in Islington was $430, higher than the Non-Metro NSW figure of $400. Nationally, Islington's mortgage repayments were above 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 constitute 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, which is 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 notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 41.4% hold 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 prominent, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 20.6%.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Islington has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus services. There are 15 different routes operating in total, offering 1,061 weekly passenger trips combined. The average distance residents live from the nearest transport stop is 140 meters.

Across all routes, there are an average of 151 trips per day, equating to about 55 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 residents show relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, despite being higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1,298 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 14.2 and 8.8% respectively, while 68.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.4% (247 people), compared to 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 86.0% born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 28.1%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented, comprising 1.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are English (29.5%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Welsh (1.1%) Scottish (9.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups are overrepresented in Islington compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 8.4% and 0.2% respectively.

Islington's population is younger than the national pattern

Islington's median age is 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Islington at 24.3%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, the percentage of Islington's population in the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 22.1% to 24.3%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 10.7% to 9.0%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Islington's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 166 people, from 577 to 744, while both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.