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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Lambton's population is estimated at around 5,418 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 204 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,214 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,319 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 1,991 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lambton's 3.9% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the non-metro area (5.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 Lambton statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 125 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 0.3% 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 indicates Lambton averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 90 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to about 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $533,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $2.6 million, reflecting Lambton's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW and nationally, Lambton has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 66th percentile of areas assessed. Building activity is accelerating, with 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 76.0% houses). Lambton has around 211 people per approval, reflecting a low density area.

Population forecasts estimate Lambton will gain 16 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Lambton 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 has identified 16 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, Hunter Indoor Sports Centre, Lambton Park Master Plan, Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond. 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 environment in Lambton shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Lambton has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 2,978 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 63.9%, higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Lambton has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, has limited presence at 0.5% compared to the regional 5.3%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison of working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Lambton increased by 2.9%, while labour force rose by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and a slight labour force decrease with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 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 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lambton's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local population projections.

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

The suburb of Lambton had a median taxpayer income of $52,868 and an average income of $70,323 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was higher than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). As of September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,552 (median) and $76,554 (average). Lambton's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 50th percentile nationally, with 26.4% of its population earning between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Lambton's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lambton was higher at 32.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (36.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lambton was $2,058, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure in Lambton was recorded at $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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 4.4%. 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 is notably high: 31.6% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in its SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (23.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 46 active transport stops operating within Lambton. These stops service a mix of buses across 40 individual routes, providing 1,292 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 184 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 data showing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~2,965 individuals) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.5%) and arthritis (8.9%), with 64.1% declaring no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in the Rest of NSW. Lambton has 16.9% residents aged 65 and over (915 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges largely consistent with the general population's health profile.

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

Lambton's population, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.9% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 52.4%, compared to 47.7% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestral groups were English (30.5%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notable differences included Macedonian representation at 1.8% in Lambton vs 0.8% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% vs 0.8%, and Polish at 0.9% vs 0.8%.

Lambton's population is slightly older than 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 proportion 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 present, the population aged 25-34 has increased from 12.5% to 14.3%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 12.6%, and the 5-14 group has fallen from 11.9% to 10.5%. By 2041, Lambton's population is projected to see significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand by 151 people (20%), growing from 774 to 926 individuals. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 45-54 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.