Milton (NSW)

Milton lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Milton's population is estimated at around 2,214 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 413 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,801 people in the Milton (NSW) statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,117 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 134 persons per square kilometer. Milton's growth of 22.9% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA4 region (4.6%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Milton (NSW) is forecasted to increase by 645 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Milton when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Milton has averaged approximately 45 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 226 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per year for each dwelling built in Milton between FY-21 and FY-25 was around 0.4 people. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Milton is approximately $672,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26 so far, there have been around $7.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Milton shows 267.0% higher new home approvals per person, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location and offering greater choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is substantially higher than the national average, further indicating developer confidence in Milton's market. New development in Milton consists of approximately 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% attached dwellings, providing a wider range of medium-density options and creating opportunities across various price brackets.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently around 90.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Milton has approximately 107 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Milton is projected to add around 259 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Milton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Motel Molly and Milton Ulladulla Bypass. Other notable projects include Ulladulla Bunnings Warehouse and Managing Growth in Ulladulla, Milton and Surrounds.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Milton performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Milton has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 0.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of September 2025755 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.3%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags at 45.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with particular specialization in professional & technical services, employing 1.9 times the regional level. Manufacturing employs only 3.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%.

There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating Milton functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force increased by 3.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.3%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise to 4.2%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Milton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Milton had a median taxpayer income of $40,002 and an average income of $53,543. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. With an 8.86% increase based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Milton as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,546 (median) and $58,287 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Milton fall between the 12th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with the regional trend of 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. Milton's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Milton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Milton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Milton stood at 53.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented ones at 17.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $383, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Milton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Milton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.7% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 38.0% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

Milton's residents aged 15+ have a university degree qualification rate of 24.5%, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.5% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 26.8%. Currently, 24.2% of Milton's population is engaged in formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Milton has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 different routes that together offer 279 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 39 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Milton faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 1,066 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Notably, 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 59.4%. Milton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.0%, with around 797 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 27.8%. Senior health outcomes align generally with the overall population's health profile.

Milton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Milton's population showed limited cultural diversity, with 85.8% born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.0% of Milton's population, slightly lower than the 52.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (10.2%).

Some ethnic groups had higher representation in Milton compared to regional averages: Welsh at 1.1% vs 0.6%, Scottish at 9.5% vs 8.1%, and Dutch at 1.6% vs 1.1%.

Milton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Milton's median age of 54 is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Milton at 18.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's average, and this concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.4% locally. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.9%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 12.7%. By 2041, Milton's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 102 people (62%) from 163 to 266. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 65-74 cohorts.