Molong

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Molong is around 2,759. This reflects a growth of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,595. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,612 residents in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Molong's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national regional areas, projecting the suburb's population to increase by 385 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Molong has received approximately 12 dwelling approvals each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. This totals around 64 homes over the past five financial years, with 5 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident per year per dwelling constructed has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions. The average construction value of new dwellings is $494,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In this financial year, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly for residential projects. Compared to Rest of NSW, Molong shows similar development activity per person, supporting regional market stability despite recent moderation in activity. Recent construction consists of 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character with a focus on family homes.

There are approximately 310 people per dwelling approval in Molong, reflecting its low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Molong is projected to add 272 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Molong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Kerrs Creek Wind Farm, Aquila Wind Farm, Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, and Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission Project are key projects, with the following list detailing those most 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.

Molong ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Molong has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data as of September 2025. In this month, 1,444 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 70.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that a low 13.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, accommodation & food services have a limited presence, with 4.7% employment compared to 7.8% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas during the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.3% while employment declined by 3.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Molong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Molong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Molong suburb's income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Molong is $45,316, with average income at $56,451. This compares to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,331 (median) and $61,453 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Molong rank modestly between the 26th and 34th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.5% of residents (841 people), similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at the 29th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Molong's housing structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 84.4% houses and 15.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Molong stood at 42.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.0% and rented ones at 21.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Molong was $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Molong's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.8% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Molong fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high at 31.3%, with 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Molong has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together offer 167 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 255 meters, indicating good accessibility. In this residential area, most people commute outward using their cars, with car use being dominant at 91%. Seven percent of residents walk for their commutes. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13% of Molong residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Molong is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Molong faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,360 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (impacting 9.3% of residents) and asthma (8.5%), while 66.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (662 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average, even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Molong's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population is predominantly Australian citizens, with 91.6% being citizens and 94.9% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of Molong residents.

Christianity is the main religion in Molong, making up 69.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (35.7%), English (31.4%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 4.8% in Molong versus the regional average of 4.6%. Maltese and Welsh also have slightly higher representations in Molong compared to regional averages, with 0.6% each.

Molong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Molong has a median age of 43, which matches the Rest of NSW figure and is higher than the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that those aged 5-14 make up 14.1% of Molong's population, while the 25-34 age group comprises 8.8%, both figures differing from Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.8% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Molong's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 82%, reaching 181 people from a current figure of 99. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Molong's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.