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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 Lakelands (NSW) is $1.29m, with units at $730k. House values have moved 4.8% 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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Lakelands (NSW) has an estimated 1,634 residents, up from 1,445 at the 2021 Census — a change of 189 people, or 13.1%. Growth has averaged 1.8% a year over five years, faster than 80% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 62.0% of that increase. That puts 1,993 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
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of February 2026, the estimated population of Lakelands (NSW) is around 1,634. This reflects an increase of 189 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,445. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,568 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,992 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Lakelands' growth of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 4.1%, along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected. The suburb is expected to expand by 196 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.0% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
36 new dwellings have been approved in Lakelands (NSW) over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That places the area in the 55th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 12, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Lakelands averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 36 homes. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. An average of 2.8 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $608,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
This financial year has seen $15.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Relative to Rest of NSW, Lakelands shows moderately higher building activity, 17.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity comprises 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 94.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 185 people per dwelling approval, Lakelands shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Lakelands adding 130 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Lakelands (NSW)
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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 41 current infrastructure and development projects close to Lakelands (NSW), worth an estimated $1.24 billion. 10 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, retail and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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
AreaSearch has identified no projects that could impact the area's performance. Key initiatives include Speers Point Transport Improvements, Lake Macquarie Bridge Replacement Program, Lake Macquarie Modular Social Housing, and Costco Lake Macquarie Warehouse.
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
Lake Macquarie Bridge Replacement Program
Comprehensive program by Lake Macquarie City Council to replace and upgrade aging timber bridges and culvert structures across the LGA to ensure safe and efficient transport connectivity.
Weemala at the Lake
A master-planned residential community spanning 55 hectares in Boolaroo, offering elevated lots near Lake Macquarie with access to shopping, transport, and educational facilities. The multi-staged development by Green Capital Group will deliver approximately 500 new homes to the region.
McCloy Group Brush Creek Estate
200+ lot residential development in Edgeworth area with approval received. Part of McCloy Group's broader residential expansion in the north-west Lake Macquarie region. McCloy Group is one of the Hunter's largest private property developers with over 60 years of experience, founded in 1961 by Don McCloy.
83 Jonathan Street Residential Subdivision
A boutique residential subdivision of approximately 1.25 hectares into 13 low-density lots in a quiet cul-de-sac in Eleebana, with part of the site designated for environmental conservation. The project includes demolition of existing dwelling and offers family-friendly access to schools, recreation, and Lake Macquarie foreshore. Development approval granted, subdivision works certificate approved, lots currently being sold with settlement upon registration.
Glendale City Centre Expansion
Expansion of Glendale City Centre following IP Generation's 2024 acquisition of the centre. The existing 2018 development approval provides for enclosure of the existing colonnade mall, around 7,700 sqm of additional retail floor space and a 1,900 sqm dining and restaurant precinct linking the shopping centre with Event Cinemas. As of 2026 the approval remains in place and the owner continues to identify the asset as having significant future redevelopment and expansion potential, however major construction has not commenced.
Lake Macquarie Modular Social Housing
The NSW Government is delivering five modular homes in Lake Macquarie as part of the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. Constructed off-site by Moov Modular using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), these homes provide fast-tracked social housing to support vulnerable community members.
The Summit
A complex of 16 completely free-standing, architecturally designed townhouses currently under construction in an elevated location, featuring spacious layouts, fully ducted air-conditioning, Artusi appliances, and private outdoor spaces. Stage 1 is set for completion in Quarter 1 of 2026.
Lake Macquarie High School HPGE Upgrades
Upgrade of Lake Macquarie High School under the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Partner School Program. Works include a refreshed school entrance, VET hospitality classroom, upgraded TAS and woodwork facilities, art room, music recording space, new shade structure and sports upgrades, plus a marine studies laboratory and workshop. As of the March 2026 project update, the major facility upgrades including the marine studies, hospitality, sporting facilities and TAS works have been completed, with the overall project remaining in progress while remaining Stage 2 works are finalized.
867 residents of Lakelands (NSW) are employed, from a labour force of 881. Unemployment sits at 1.6%, with participation at 69.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,350, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Lakelands has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%, having seen a 1.2% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025867 residents are employed while its unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, below Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 69.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3% (Census data). Notably, 29.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food services.
Lakelands specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by resident population vs working population counts. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% and labour force rose by 1.7%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Lakelands' employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Lakelands (NSW) is $2,315 a week (about $120,000 a year), with median personal income at $939 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,741 a year against an average of $84,512. 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
AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for Lakelands in financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $63,741 with an average of $84,512. This is amongst the highest in Australia. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lakelands would be approximately $69,388 (median) and $92,000 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household incomes in Lakelands ranked between the 72nd and 84th percentiles nationally.
Distribution data indicates that 29.7% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, comprising 485 individuals. This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 29.9%. Lakelands demonstrates affluence with 35.7% earning over $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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Lakelands (NSW) had 506 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Lakelands' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakelands was 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.6% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Lakelands was $450, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lakelands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Lakelands (NSW) counted 506 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 572 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 45% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households comprise 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 account for 18.6%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
31.5% of adults in Lakelands (NSW) hold a university qualification, including 22.3% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 98% of areas nationally. A further 22.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in Lakelands significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 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. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (22.3%). Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Lakelands (NSW) reaches 12 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 330 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.9 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
Lakelands has twelve operational public transport stops, serving a variety of bus routes. These stops facilitate 16 different routes that collectively offer 325 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered excellent, with residents typically residing 166 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car at a rate of 99%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 29.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 46 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.0% of residents in Lakelands (NSW) report no long-term health condition. 4.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data shows positive outcomes for Lakelands residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the total population (984 people) having it, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively. 68.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW.
Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (279 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Lakelands (NSW) is largely Australian-born, at 86.7% of residents, with 8.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.3%) and Australian (29.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Lakelands had a lower cultural diversity, with 86.7% born in Australia, 94.9% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 55.1%. The category 'Other' was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%. Top ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (29.2%), and Scottish (9.2%). Welsh (1.5%) and Polish (1.1%) were notably more represented than regionally, while Hungarian was slightly higher at 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Lakelands (NSW) is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.0% 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
Lakeland's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43, but considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 15.9%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 8.7% than in Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 15.9%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lakeland, with the strongest projected growth in the 35-44 cohort at 19%, adding 40 residents to reach 258.
In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Lakelands (NSW)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2024 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 2024 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Feb 2026, not a 2021 count (1,441 at the 2021 Census → 1,634 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 Feb 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 (SAL12265). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.