Muswellbrook

Muswellbrook is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Muswellbrook's population is estimated at around 12,605 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 333 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,272 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,595, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 286 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Muswellbrook's 2.7% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated. The suburb of Muswellbrook is expected to increase by 525 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Muswellbrook has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 154 homes. So far in FY26, 42 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth rate for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 is 0.8 people per year, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $472,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $22.2 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Building activity shows 94% detached houses and 6% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 376 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Muswellbrook is expected to grow by 515 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Muswellbrook has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Eastbrook Links Estate, Muswellbrook Solar Farm, Muswellbrook Clean Industries Precinct (MCIP), and Muswellbrook Marketplace Redevelopment. 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 drivers in Muswellbrook are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Muswellbrook has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 7.3% and there's been an estimated employment growth of 0.5% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 5,512 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.3% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. Census responses show that only 9.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Mining has a particularly high representation with an employment share 9.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is lower at 10.4% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The ratio of workers per resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, labour force decreased by 0.8%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2% and unemployment rose by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.8% over ten years in Muswellbrook, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Muswellbrook, the median income is $54,689 and the average income is $70,561. Nationally, the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $60,333 and the average income will be around $77,843, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Muswellbrook rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 32.6% of the community (4,109 individuals), similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses.

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

The dwelling structure in Muswellbrook, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional NSW's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Muswellbrook stood at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 39%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Muswellbrook was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Muswellbrook's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.5% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Muswellbrook faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (36.5%). Educational participation is high, with 32.6% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.2% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Muswellbrook has 377 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 routes providing 1,454 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 116 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with car being the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 9.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 207 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Muswellbrook faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover in Muswellbrook is approximately 55% (~6,910 people), slightly higher than the 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.3% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.0% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Muswellbrook has 15.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1,966 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even worse than those for the general population.

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

Muswellbrook's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.5%), and speaking English only at home (94.7%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Muswellbrook, comprising 58.0% of the population, slightly higher than the Regional NSW average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (29.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.2%).

Notably, Maori representation is higher in Muswellbrook at 0.5%, compared to 0.3% regionally, while Macedonian and Samoan representations are lower at 0.1% each.

Muswellbrook's population is younger than the national pattern

Muswellbrook's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW's average, the 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented at 15.3% in Muswellbrook, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 15.3% to 14.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Muswellbrook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 365 residents to reach 1,046. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 59% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 45-54 age cohorts.