Morpeth

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

By Nov 2025, Morpeth's population is estimated at around 1,951 based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation. This shows an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,686. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,935 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 424 persons per square kilometer. Morpeth's growth of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 5.1% and the state average, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 47.0% to recent population gains, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally, with Morpeth expected to expand by 502 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Morpeth averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. Historically, this averages out to around 3.3 new residents per home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This discrepancy indicates significant demand exceeding supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new homes in Morpeth is approximately $401,000, aligning with regional trends. In the current financial year, there have been $16,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Morpeth exhibits substantially reduced construction activity, being 61.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

New building activity comprises 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. The location currently has approximately 201 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a growing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Morpeth is projected to grow by 460 residents through to 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include East Maitland Catalyst Area, Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub, Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy 2020-2040, Stony Pinch Urban Development. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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While Morpeth retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.3%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Morpeth has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.3%.

This rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, but workforce participation lags at 45.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Morpeth has a significant specialization in mining, with an employment share twice the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at only 1.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Morpeth's labour force decreased by 3.2%, with employment decreasing by 3.9%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Morpeth. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections indicating local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Morpeth's median income among taxpayers was $45,912 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income for Morpeth stood at $56,255 during the same period. These figures compare to $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Morpeth as of September 2025 is approximately $51,702, with average income at around $63,349. Census 2021 data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Morpeth fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.4% of Morpeth's community earns within the $800 - $1,499 range (554 individuals), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Morpeth, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it within the 5th decile.

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

Morpeth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.2% houses and 34.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morpeth stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,788, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent in Morpeth was $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Morpeth's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.7.

Morpeth performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 24.8% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 15.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (25.2%).

A significant 23.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% in tertiary education. Morpeth Public School serves the local area with an enrollment of 258 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary school, focusing exclusively on primary education, while secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 13.2, below the regional average of 17.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Morpeth shows that there are currently 19 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 30 individual routes providing service to the area. This results in a collective weekly passenger trip count of 252 trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 115 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are around 36 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Morpeth faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~960 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 52.8%, and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.8%) and mental health issues (8.9%).

Conversely, 54.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. Morpeth has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.2% (706 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 15.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than the general population metrics.

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

Morpeth had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.6% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Morpeth, comprising 66.1% of the population, compared to 57.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (29.1%), and Scottish (11.0%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Morpeth compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Irish (10.0% vs 7.8%), and Russian (0.3% vs 0.2%) were also more prevalent than the regional averages.

Morpeth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Morpeth is 54 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Morpeth at 14.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.1% of Morpeth's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 18.2% to 17.0%. By 2041, Morpeth is projected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, expanding by 79 people (28%) from 284 to 364. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (7 people).