Mayfield (Newcastle - NSW)

Mayfield has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Mayfield (Newcastle - NSW) is estimated to be around 10,245. This reflects an increase of 485 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,760. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,030 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,283 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mayfield's growth rate of 5.0% since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. These aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Mayfield is expected to expand by 1,374 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.6% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mayfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mayfield has averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 110 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, for every dwelling built, Mayfield has gained an average of 2.6 new residents over the past five financial years.

This demand supports property values, with new homes being constructed at an average expected cost of $400,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, $73.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Comparatively, Mayfield shows substantially reduced construction compared to the Rest of NSW, with 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Furthermore, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Mayfield consists of approximately 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 75.0% houses. Mayfield's population density is around 572 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mayfield is projected to add approximately 1,184 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Newcastle Port Logistics Hub, Mayfield Concept Plan, Subdivision at 110 Elizabeth Street in Tighes Hill, and Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Mayfield has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mayfield has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.2%. As of September 2025, 5,509 residents are employed at an unemployment rate of 1.9% above Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 69.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. A significant 29.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The main industries for employment are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Mayfield specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 0.3%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force by 3.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment drop, a 0.1% labour force contraction, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mayfield's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% in five years and 14.5% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mayfield had a median taxpayer income of $53,055 and an average income of $62,219. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW at $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,756 (median) and $67,732 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census 2021 data ranks Mayfield's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 39th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.2% of residents (3,401 people), similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. Mayfield's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Mayfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Mayfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mayfield was at 23.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.5%) or rented (41.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mayfield was $1,845, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Mayfield was recorded at $375, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Mayfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.0% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 42.0%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households making up 8.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Mayfield aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.6%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 26.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 24.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in tertiary education, 7.5% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 91 active transport stops operating within Mayfield. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 62 individual routes. They collectively provide 1,522 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 123 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 89%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 29.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 217 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mayfield is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Mayfield faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting a wide range of health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 5,282 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues, impacting 14.5% of residents, and asthma, affecting 9.1%. Only 60.1% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments compared to 63.3% across the Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. Mayfield has 14.2% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,454 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall population.

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

Mayfield's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 85.6% having been born in Australia, as of a certain date. Similarly, 89.8% were citizens, and 91.3% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.5% of Mayfield's population.

However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional averages, with 0.1% of Mayfield's population identifying as such, compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Mayfield compared to regional averages (0.5%), as were Macedonian (0.4%) and Samoan (0.3%) groups.

Mayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mayfield's median age is 35 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort in Mayfield is notably over-represented at 23.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.4%. Following the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 35 years. Specifically, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 20.2% to 23.1%, while those aged 35 to 44 increased from 14.7% to 16.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 11.4% to 9.7%, and those aged 45 to 54 dropped from 11.4% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Mayfield's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 22%, adding 531 residents to reach a total of 2,898. Conversely, the 65-74 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.