Laurieton

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

Laurieton has an estimated population of approximately 1,981 as of May 2026, calculated from regional ABS demographic releases and subsequent address validations by AreaSearch since the Census. When compared to the 2,012 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a reduction of 31 people (1.5%). This adjustment is based on a resident count of 1,977 calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP figures, combined with 18 newly verified addresses registered after the Census date. The current populace translates to a density of 457 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low-density living and capacity for future housing expansion. The main driver of population growth in the area was migration from other states, representing roughly 85.0% of the total demographic growth in recent times.

Projections published in 2024 (using 2022 as a baseline) from the ABS and Geoscience Australia are applied by AreaSearch for each SA2. If these are unavailable, SA2 projections released by the NSW State Government in 2022 (using 2021 as a baseline) are substituted. Demographic growth trajectories by age bracket from these files are also used to project trends from 2032 to 2041. Looking forward, the locality is expected to rank in the highest quartile of non-metropolitan regions in Australia for growth, with projections suggesting a population gain of 466 persons by 2041, which amounts to a total expansion of 23.3% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Laurieton is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals assigned to local statistical boundaries reveals that the suburb of Laurieton averages about 11 residential approvals annually, yielding roughly 55 homes in the last 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 2 approvals have been documented. Because the population has contracted recently, the supply of housing has successfully matched local demand, maintaining an equilibrium that offers buyers solid options while new builds average a value of $431,000—slightly above the wider region—pointing to a focus on higher-tier construction. Commercial projects valued at $2.4 million have also been approved this financial year, highlighting the primary residential focus of the neighborhood.

Construction output per capita in the suburb of Laurieton is roughly 75% of the rate observed across the Rest of NSW, positioning it in the 9th percentile of all localities nationally, which restricts choice for buyers and supports demand for existing housing stock. Newly approved residential construction is composed of 92.0% standalone houses and 8.0% multi-unit dwellings or townhomes, preserving the neighborhood's low-density layout and appeal to families. Developers are prioritizing standalone houses more than historical patterns would suggest (which stood at 54.0% at the Census), demonstrating sustained interest in family-sized properties. There are 1972 people per residential approval, pointing to a very quiet and low-key development market.

Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Laurieton will add 462 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. If the current rate of home building is maintained, housing supply may fall behind population growth, which could increase buyer competition and push up property values.

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

Local infrastructure changes, major projects, and council planning schemes are primary drivers of real estate performance. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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 below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Workforce patterns in the suburb of Laurieton show a balanced split between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence of essential service employees, alongside an unemployment rate of 8.4% derived from AreaSearch statistical area data. In March 2026468 locals were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 4.3% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, showing potential for labor market improvement, while participation is notably low at 27.5% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census records show that a modest 12.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Local jobs are heavily concentrated in the sectors of health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The suburb of Laurieton is particularly specialized in the accommodation & food sector, where its workforce share is 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for only 2.6% of local employment, falling below the 7.5% rate seen in Regional NSW. The relationship between the count of Census workers and the resident population suggests that local employment options within the neighborhood itself are relatively sparse.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated across broader areas, the size of the local workforce contracted by 7.3% and total employment fell by 8.2% in the year leading to March 2026, causing the local unemployment rate to climb by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% decline in the workforce, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National occupational projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future trends in the suburb of Laurieton. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Extrapolating these national industry trends to the suburb of Laurieton's current industry distribution indicates that local employment could rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not incorporate localized population shifts.

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

Based on financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch, the suburb of Laurieton features income levels that are below the national median. The median taxpayer income is $34,857, while the average is $43,367, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current equivalent values would be roughly $38,454 for the median and $47,842 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Laurieton are located between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationwide. The income distribution reveals that 44.6% of the workforce (883 residents) earn within the $400 - 799 weekly range, whereas the regional leader is the $1,500 - 2,999 band at 29.9%. With 54.8% of the population earning under $800/week, household spending capacity remains limited. Housing costs consume a significant portion of earnings, leaving only 82.9% of income disposable, which ranks in the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing inventory in the suburb of Laurieton consisted of 54.5% standalone houses and 45.5% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, units, or other formats, whereas Regional NSW recorded 82.6% standalone houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Laurieton was high at 59.0%, with the remaining properties divided between those with a mortgage (11.7%) and rental properties (29.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,365, which is notably lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $315 compared to the regional median of $330. From a national perspective, Laurieton's mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 51.0% of all households, consisting of 7.0% couples raising children, 35.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parents. Other households account for the remaining 49.0%, with single-person households at 46.3% and share houses representing 2.8%. The average household occupancy stands at 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW median of 2.4.

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

Academic achievement rates highlight areas for improvement, with university graduation rates at 11.3% sitting far below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This dynamic presents both a hurdle and a chance for focused training programs. Undergraduate degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 7.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational skills are common, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade credential, split between advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (30.5%).

A total of 14.3% of residents are enrolled in some form of study. This cohort includes 5.1% in primary school, 4.0% in high school, and 1.4% attending higher education.

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

A review of public transport options shows 20 active stops in the suburb of Laurieton, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 24 different routes that provide 377 passenger journeys weekly. Access to transport is good, with typical walking distances of 218 meters to the closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary commute method at 89% and walking at 11%. Car ownership sits at 0.9 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A low 12.1% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 factors.

Public transport runs at an average frequency of 53 daily trips across all lines, which translates to approximately 18 weekly departures per 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

Significant health concerns are evident in the suburb of Laurieton according to AreaSearch's evaluation of local mortality rates and chronic illnesses across different age brackets, and the share of the community with private health insurance is low at approximately 44% of the population (~875 people). This compares to 51.9% for Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The primary medical diagnoses in the area are arthritis and mental health conditions, which affect 17.2% and 9.0% of the population respectively, while 43.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age locals show elevated rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 57.5% of the local population (1,139 people), which is significantly higher than the 23.4% average across Regional NSW. Health profiles for local seniors are generally consistent with national averages for their age group.

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

Demographic diversity in the suburb of Laurieton is lower than the national average, with 88.2% of residents born in Australia, 93.2% holding citizenship, and 98.2% speaking only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, which is practiced by 63.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

Regarding heritage and parental origins, the primary ancestries in the suburb of Laurieton are English at 38.2% (higher than the regional rate of 30.5%), Australian at 29.7%, and Irish at 11.3%. Specific ethnic categories show slight variations, with Hungarian backgrounds representing 0.3% of the community (compared to 0.2% regionally), Welsh at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%), and Scottish at 8.5% (compared to 8.0%).

Laurieton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 67 years in the suburb of Laurieton is much higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the Australian average of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is heavily represented at 22.1%, compared to its presence in Regional NSW and the national average of 6.1%, whereas young adults aged 25 - 34 make up a very low 3.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 20.5% to 22.1%, and those aged 15 to 24 grew from 4.9% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 7.8% to 6.2% and the 65 to 74 bracket fell from 23.6% to 22.4%. By 2041, the local age profile is expected to shift, with the 85+ cohort projected to rise by 227 people (88%) from 257 to 485. The combined cohorts aged 65+ will represent 79% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to decrease by 1 residents.