Newcastle West

Newcastle West lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Newcastle West is around 1,551 people. This represents an increase of 98 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,453 people. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, showing a resident population of 1,524. This increase brings the population density to 1,782 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newcastle West's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (5.1%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Newcastle West are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, forecasting a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 640 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 43.9% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Newcastle West when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Newcastle West experienced approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 116 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand until recently, when it moderated to 1.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $676,000, indicating focus on premium market developments.

This year, $4.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Newcastle West has 181.0% higher construction activity per person than the Rest of NSW, reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. New developments consist of 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 38 people per approval, Newcastle West is a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 681 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Future projections show Newcastle West adding 681 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 potential impact projects. Major initiatives include The Store Newcastle, Dairy Farmers Towers, Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion, and Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Development. Below is a list of the most relevant ones.

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.

Employment performance in Newcastle West has been broadly consistent with national averages

Newcastle West has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, having experienced an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

As of June 2025915 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is at 59.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and public administration & safety sectors. The area specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 2.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

As per the Census data, there are 3.8 workers for every resident, indicating Newcastle West functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Newcastle West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Newcastle West. The median income among taxpayers was $57,245 with an average of $85,164. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $64,464 (median) and $95,903 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally ($1,022 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 44th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 33.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (521 individuals), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Newcastle West features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Newcastle West, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 1.7% houses and 98.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newcastle West stood at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.3% and rented dwellings at 54.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,907, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent in Newcastle West was recorded at $460, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $400. Nationally, Newcastle West's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,907 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $460 versus the national figure of $375.

Newcastle West features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 42.5% of all households, including 8.4% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 3.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 57.5%, with lone person households at 49.9% and group households making up 7.8%. The median household size is 1.7 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Newcastle West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Newcastle West's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 41.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 20.1%.

22.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 12.9% in tertiary education, 2.8% in primary education, and 1.2% in secondary education. Educational institutions include Novoschool and Newcastle High School, serving a total of 1,128 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1034) with secondary education being dominant, having two schools. Primary students typically attend schools in nearby areas. Newcastle West functions as an education hub, offering 72.7 school places per 100 residents, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 15.5. This attracts students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 30 active transport stops operating within Newcastle West. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 53 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 9,499 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 86 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,357 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 316 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Newcastle West faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Notably, approximately 61% (938 people) of Newcastle West's total population has private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 55.6%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Newcastle West are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 10.2% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% across the Rest of NSW. Newcastle West has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 26.5% (411 people) compared to the Rest of NSW average of 16.7%. The health outcomes among seniors in Newcastle West generally align with those of the broader population's health profile.

Newcastle West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Newcastle West has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.7% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Newcastle West, accounting for 42.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.2%), Australian (20.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Welsh at 1.0% versus the regional average of 0.8%, Polish at 1.1% compared to 0.8%, and Scottish at 9.3% versus 8.4%.

Newcastle West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Newcastle West's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that 25-34 year-olds are prominent at 26.2%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 2.5% compared to Rest of NSW. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 2.4% to 3.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.6%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 8.6% to 7.4%. Population forecasts for Newcastle West indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow strongly at 58%, adding 234 residents to reach a total of 641.