Lambton

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lambton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Lambton is around 5,337. This reflects an increase of 123 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,214. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,323, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer. Lambton's growth rate of 2.4% since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the non-metro area (5.1%). Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated. The suburb is expected to grow by 123 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Lambton averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Approximately 92 homes were approved in the past five financial years, with 12 so far in FY-26.

This averages to about 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period. Supply and demand appear balanced, with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new dwellings is $533,000. Comparatively, Lambton shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person compared to Rest of NSW. Nationally, it ranks in the 61st percentile of areas assessed, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 76.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 246 people per dwelling approval, Lambton exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Lambton will gain 95 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, Lambton Park Master Plan, Newcastle Inner City Bypass - Rankin Park to Jesmond, and Wests Group Townhouse Development. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Lambton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Lambton's workforce is highly educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,973 residents were employed with an unemployment rate 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Lambton was 63.9%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Lambton had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, comprising only 0.5% of Lambton's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities existed, many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 indicated potential future demand within Lambton. Applying these projections to Lambton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Lambton's median income among taxpayers is $52,868, with an average of $70,323. This is above the national average and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Lambton would be approximately $59,535 (median) and $79,191 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Lambton cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 26.4% of locals (1,408 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile nationally. Lambton's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Lambton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lambton stood at 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented ones at 36.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure in Lambton was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Lambton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Lambton features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.0% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households making up 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

Lambton's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks; 31.6% of residents aged 15+ 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 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 9.9% and certificates for 23.0%. Educational participation is high at 29.7%, including 9.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Lambton's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,695 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1062). Educational provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, Lambton offers 31.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Lambton has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 40 different routes that together facilitate 1,259 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 175 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 179 trips per day across all routes, which translates to around 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lambton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Lambton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age cohorts have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is high, with approximately 55% of Lambton's total population (~2,920 people) having it. Mental health issues are the most prevalent condition, affecting 11.5% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.9%. A majority, 64.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in the Rest of NSW. Lambton has 16.9% of its population aged 65 and over (901 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall health profile of the population.

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

Lambton had a cultural diversity level below average, with 85.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Lambton, comprising 52.4% of people, compared to 47.7% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Macedonian (1.8%) was overrepresented in Lambton compared to the regional average (0.8%), as were Welsh (0.8%) and Polish (0.9%).

Lambton's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Lambton is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of individuals aged 15-24 in Lambton is notably higher at 14.4% compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.5% to 14.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 14.2% to 12.6%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for Lambton in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 162 people (21%) from 763 to 926. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.