Laurieton

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

Laurieton's population is estimated at around 2,205 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,012 people, a growth of 9.6%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,068 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 509 persons per square kilometer. Laurieton's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.0% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecast for Laurieton, with an expected expansion of 555 persons, reflecting a gain of 19.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Laurieton has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 70 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.5 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $431,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

There have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Laurieton shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person while it places among the 74th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (54.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. At around 169 people per approval, Laurieton reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate Laurieton will gain 418 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Laurieton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Beach to Beach Shared Path, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, with the following list outlining those most likely to be 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 conditions in Laurieton face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Laurieton has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025549 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Laurieton lags at 30.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that only 12.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries employing Laurieton residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety employs only 2.6% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, and employment declined by 3.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment contraction, a 0.8% labour force fall, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Laurieton. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Laurieton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Laurieton's median income among taxpayers was $34,857 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $43,367 during the same period. This compares to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth suggest Laurieton's median income will be approximately $37,945 and the average will be around $47,209. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Laurieton fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. In Laurieton, 44.6% of the population (983 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is prevalent at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of Laurieton. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

Laurieton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Laurieton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.5% houses and 45.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Laurieton stood at 59.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 11.7% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Laurieton was $315, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Laurieton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Laurieton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 51.0% of all households, including 7.0% couples with children, 35.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 46.3% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Laurieton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 30.5%.

Formal education enrollment stands at 14.3%, comprising 5.1% in primary education, 4.0% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Laurieton has 20 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes totaling 24. These routes facilitate 377 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 218 meters from the nearest stop. Laurieton, being mainly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 89% of residents, while 11% walk. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 53 trips per day, translating to roughly 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Laurieton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Laurieton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% (974 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common conditions, affecting 17.2% and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 43.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Laurieton has a higher proportion of seniors (56.9%, or 1,254 people) than Regional NSW (23.4%). Despite this, senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

The latest Census data sees Laurieton placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Laurieton was found to have a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Laurieton is Christianity, comprising 63.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (38.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.3%, Welsh at 0.6%, and Scottish at 8.5%.

Laurieton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Laurieton's median age is 67 years, which exceeds Regional NSW's median age of 43 years and the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 75-84 in Laurieton is notably higher at 22.0% compared to the Regional NSW average, while those aged 35-44 are under-represented at 4.8%. This high concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 4.9% to 6.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 20.5% to 22.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 23.6% to 22.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 7.8% to 6.6%. By 2041, Laurieton's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly by 224 people (81%), from 277 to 502. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.