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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Muswellbrook statistical area (Lv2) is around 12,614. This figure reflects a growth of 342 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,272. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,611 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. The Muswellbrook (SA2) has shown competitive growth fundamentals with a 2.8% increase since the census, compared to the non-metro area's 5.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections anticipate lower quartile growth for national regional areas, expecting the Muswellbrook (SA2) to increase by 596 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over the 17 years.

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

Muswellbrook has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 154 homes. As of FY26, 38 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is 0.8. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth above projections.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $472,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, there have been $22.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

The building activity shows 94% detached houses and 6% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This results in an estimated 376 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Muswellbrook is expected to grow by 593 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 area. Notable ones 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, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 7.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 5,492 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar (58.9% vs Rest of NSW's 56.4%). The dominant employment sectors include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has a particularly high representation at 9.2 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is lower at 10.4%. There are 0.7 workers per resident, indicating above-average local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Muswellbrook's labour force decreased by 2.9%, with employment down by 1.5%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment fell by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW's employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project 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 Muswellbrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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 the median income in Muswellbrook is $54,689 and the average income is $70,561. This compares to Rest of NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Muswellbrook would be approximately $59,534 (median) and $76,813 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Muswellbrook rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with 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

Muswellbrook's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Muswellbrook stood at 27.2%, with 33.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 39.0% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $310. Nationally, Muswellbrook's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Muswellbrook has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

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.

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 at 32.6%, comprising 13.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, 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 different routes, together providing 1,454 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 116 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, averaging 207 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Muswellbrook is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Muswellbrook faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from June 2018 to May 2019.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 55% (~6,914 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than the state average. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.3% each of residents. Conversely, 64.0% report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of NSW. As of June 2018, 15.1% (1,904 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Muswellbrook, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 88.3% of its population being citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.0%. This compares to None% across Rest of NSW.

Regarding ancestry, Australian was the top group at 34.0%, followed by English at 29.4% and Australian Aboriginal at 9.2%. Notably, Maori were overrepresented at 0.5% compared to None% regionally, as were Macedonian at 0.1% and Samoan at 0.1%.

Muswellbrook's population is younger than the national pattern

Muswellbrook's median age is 35 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Muswellbrook at 15.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. As per the Census conducted on 2021 August 10th, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Muswellbrook's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 65%, adding 411 residents to reach 1,042. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. However, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 cohorts.