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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Medowie lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Medowie is around 12,109, reflecting an increase of 1,230 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 11.3% increase from the previous population count of 10,879. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 12,077 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 596 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 270 persons per square kilometer. Medowie's growth exceeded that of the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and its SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Medowie is forecasted to increase its population by 3,552 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 29.1% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Medowie among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Medowie has seen approximately 161 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 807 homes were approved, with a further 77 approved in FY-26 as of the present time. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 1.8 people over these five financial years.
The average construction cost value for new homes was $369,000. This year has seen $65.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Medowie records 134.0% more building activity per person. This abundance should provide buyers with ample choice, although construction activity has recently eased. The area's new development consists of 70.0% detached houses and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving its low density nature while offering more diverse housing options. Currently, there are approximately 151 people per dwelling approval in Medowie, indicating an expanding market.
Future projections estimate that the area will add 3,520 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Medowie
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Medowie 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 14 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Stockton Rifle Range Development - Fern Bay, Medowie Precinct F Residential Development, Medowie New High School, and The Bower Medowie. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion
The transformative $110 million Newcastle Airport terminal expansion has doubled the footprint of the existing facility to provide a world-class passenger experience. Designed by Cox Architecture to a 5-Star Green Star rating, the project included a new international terminal, international processing facilities, aerobridges, and expanded retail and dining options. The project works also facilitated the upgrade to a Code E runway to accommodate wide-body, long-haul aircraft, enabling direct services to Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The upgraded international terminal officially opened for business in late September 2025, with international flights commencing in October 2025.
Catherine McAuley Catholic College Expansion
Multi-stage development of Catholic college campus including early learning centre, primary school, and high school for up to 1,600 students. Features chapel, administration buildings, specialist learning spaces, and sports facilities across multiple buildings.
The Bower Medowie
The Bower is a 127-hectare masterplanned community in Medowie, NSW, comprising 474 homesites across 57 hectares, with 70 hectares dedicated as a State Conservation Area. Developed by McCloy Group, the project launched in 2016 and reached full sell-out in December 2023. The precinct features the 10,000m2 Bower Reserve playground, extensive walking tracks, and full utility servicing. An integrated retirement component, Blueheath at The Bower, is currently under construction and features 112 luxury villas with a clubhouse and wellness facilities, expected to reach final completion by mid-2026.
Stockton Rifle Range Development - Fern Bay
Defence Housing Australia $210 million development of former rifle range into 232-lot medium-density residential subdivision. Mix of townhouses, apartments, eco-homes and multi-dwelling housing with 1.6 hectares of park areas and beach access.
Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy
Joint 20-year blueprint by Port Stephens and Newcastle councils for area between Hunter River and Stockton Beach. Includes town centre development, coastal walk from Stockton to Tomaree Headland, and ferry terminal.
Medowie New High School
A new public high school by the NSW Government to serve the growing Medowie community. Planning approval granted July 2025, construction to begin September 2025. The school will feature modern classrooms including specialist support classes, specialist workshops and labs, multipurpose hall, library, administration facilities, outdoor play areas, and sports facilities. Part of the $1.4 billion regional NSW schools investment.
Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School Medowie
A new Catholic primary school component within the existing Catherine McAuley education precinct, developed by the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. The primary school will open in 2026 as part of a comprehensive educational precinct including early education centre, primary school, and secondary school. Construction is underway with Indigenous artefacts discovered during excavation being showcased at the neighbouring college. The school will operate under the patronage of Catherine McAuley, grounded in Mercy traditions.
791 Medowie Road Childcare Centre
A brand-new architecturally designed 128-place childcare centre with state-of-the-art infrastructure including air-conditioning, commercial kitchen, LED lighting, and compliant safety systems. Features multiple playrooms, cot rooms, wet areas, admin facilities, professionally landscaped outdoor play areas, off-street parking and dual vehicle access. Located in the thriving Medowie township to support local families amid residential growth.
Employment
The labour market in Medowie shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Medowie's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of AreaSearch data aggregation. By December 2025, the employment rate was 5,568 residents with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Regional NSW's 3.9%.
Workforce participation matched Regional NSW's 60.5%. Home working residents reached 25.3% based on Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety showed higher specialization at 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.8%.
Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment declined by 1.7%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Medowie. Five-year projections estimate local employment growth at 6.2% and ten-year projections at 13.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Medowie suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $59,012 with an average income level standing at $72,259. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,102 (median) and $79,716 (average) as of March 2026. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Medowie cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 39.1% of individuals in Medowie earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (4,734 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Medowie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Medowie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 97.3% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Medowie stood at 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Medowie was $430, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Medowie's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Medowie features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 84.4% of all households, including 41.8% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in Medowie aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 35.1%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Medowie has 163 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 66 different routes that together facilitate 653 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 196 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling in Medowie, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 25.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 93 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Medowie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Medowie faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,719 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 9.3% of residents respectively. 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2018), 17.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,131 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Medowie is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Medowie's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Medowie, making up 53.9% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.2%), English (31.0%), and Scottish (7.6%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than regional averages at 4.7%, while Maltese is at 0.8% and Dutch at 1.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Medowie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern
The median age in Medowie is 37 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years are prominent at 14.6%, while those aged 65-74 years are comparatively smaller at 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.2%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.3% to 14.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 629 people (47%) from 1,331 to 1,961, while the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 7% (115 people).