Lakelands (NSW)

Lakelands is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Lakelands (NSW) is estimated at around 1,637 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,445 people. The current resident population estimate of 1,627 is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,996 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lakelands' 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (2.9%) and non-metro areas, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, for covered areas. For non-covered SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 197 persons to reach a population of 1,834 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Lakelands averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 51 homes. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Over these years, there were approximately 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed on average, suggesting a stable market supply and demand balance.

However, this has moderated to 1 person per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating an improved supply-demand balance. The average construction value of new homes was $608,000, slightly above the regional average, implying a focus on quality developments. Compared to Rest of NSW, Lakelands records 69.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 69.0% standalone homes and 31.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating varied housing opportunities across price brackets. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 94.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Lakelands has approximately 90 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lakelands is expected to grow by 46 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in this area based on AreaSearch's findings. No projects have been identified that could significantly impact the region. Some notable initiatives include Speers Point Transport Improvements, Lake Macquarie Bridge Replacement Program, Lake Macquarie Modular Social Housing, and Costco Lake Macquarie Warehouse.

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The exceptional employment performance in Lakelands places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Lakelands has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.3% as of June 2025, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. Workforce participation is high at 67.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in health care & social assistance at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.0% employment compared to 5.3% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lakelands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

Lakelands' median taxpayer income was $63,741 with an average of $84,512 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,779 (median) and $95,169 (average). Census data from 2021 ranks Lakelands' household, family, and personal incomes between the 72nd and 84th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 29.7% of Lakelands residents earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan areas where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Notably, 35.7% of Lakelands residents have incomes above $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Lakelands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Lakelands, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakelands stood at 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.6% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Lakelands was $450, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Lakelands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $450.

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

Family households account for 81.4% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.6%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Lakelands demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Lakelands' educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. 31.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 23.5% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 22.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Lakelands has eight active public transport stops, all of which operate buses. These stops are served by sixteen different routes that together facilitate 319 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average situated 167 meters from their nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lakelands's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Lakelands' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 60% of Lakelands' total population (986 people) has private health cover, compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.0 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 68.0% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. Lakelands has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (266 people), which is lower than the 21.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Lakelands had a low cultural diversity, with 86.7% born in Australia, 94.9% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.1%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (29.2%), and Scottish (9.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 1.5% (vs regional 0.8%), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.7%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Lakelands hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Lakeland's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43, but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile reveals that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 16.5%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 8.3% compared to Rest of NSW. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.1% of Lakeland's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 16.5%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 9.4% to 8.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Lakeland. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 30 residents to reach a total of 158. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups.