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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
North Rothbury lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends
North Rothbury's population is estimated at around 5,696 as of May 2026. This reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,502 people, representing a growth of 3,194 people (127.7%). AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,381 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 324 persons per square kilometer. North Rothbury's growth rate exceeded that of the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the state, placing it as one of the leading growth areas in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, North Rothbury is predicted to experience exceptional growth over the period up to 2041. The suburb is expected to grow by an additional 4,789 persons during this time, reflecting an overall increase of 81.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in North Rothbury was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country
North Rothbury recorded approximately 274 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 1,373 homes. As of FY-26189 approvals have been granted. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes over this period was $462,000, targeting the premium market segment.
In FY-26, commercial approvals reached $33.4 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Rothbury recorded 783.0% more new home approvals per person. The area's new development consists of 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving its low density nature while offering greater choice for buyers. This shift from the existing 96.0% houses suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles preferences. North Rothbury is projected to gain 4,621 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.
Population forecasts indicate North Rothbury will gain 4,621 residents through to 2041 (from 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around North Rothbury
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
North Rothbury has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Huntlee New Town, Woolworths Development - Huntlee, Huntlee Local Water Centre 2, and Thomas St, North Rothbury - Road and Drainage Upgrades. The following list details those most relevant:.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone
The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is a critical network infrastructure project upgrading approximately 85km of existing 132kV sub-transmission lines between Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook, and constructing two new substations at Sandy Creek (Muswellbrook) and Antiene (Singleton). The project delivers an additional 1GW of network transfer capacity, enabling connection of approximately 1.8GW of new renewable generation and storage. Ausgrid, as appointed network operator, is responsible for design, financing, construction and operation. The Project Deed with EnergyCo was signed in December 2025 following Australian Energy Regulator determination, and construction officially commenced on 27 February 2026. The REZ is the first in Australia to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires rather than build new transmission infrastructure. It will create 590 jobs during construction and 220 ongoing local positions, with full capacity expected by 2028.
Huntlee New Town
Huntlee is the Hunter Valley's first new town in over 50 years, a 1,500-hectare masterplanned community by LWP Group designed to grow into a town of around 20,000 residents across three villages surrounding a 200-hectare mixed-use town centre. Around half the site is set aside for parklands and conservation land, with 7,500 homes planned at full build-out. Village 1, Katherine's Landing, is well established, while the Caphilly precinct in the town centre is the current sales focus, with around eight stages planned, the early stages largely sold, and a new builders' display village opening in 2026. The town centre already supports a Coles-anchored shopping centre, Huntlee Tavern, medical centre, chemist, childcare and other services. A NSW Government education precinct at 32 Persoonia Boulevard, North Rothbury, was approved under the Review of Environmental Factors process in February 2026 and the construction contract was awarded to Richard Crookes Constructions in March 2026, keeping the integrated public preschool (60 places), primary school (500 places) and high school (1,000 places) on track to open in Term 1, 2028. The town has direct access to the M15 Hunter Expressway linking Newcastle, the Central Coast, the Upper Hunter and Sydney.
Anvil Creek Urban Release Area
A 423-hectare master-planned mixed-use development on the former Greta Army and Migrant Camp site. The approved scheme includes 1,364 residential dwellings, a Graham Marsh-designed 18-hole international golf course, a 150-room dual key hotel, 85 tourist villas, a 16,000sqm education precinct, 8,700sqm of commercial and retail space, and a 20-hectare working vineyard. The site was acquired by Belford Land (linked to the Medich family) around 2021, with the current owner indicating no immediate development plans while the approved DA remains in place. Cessnock City Council's 2025 housing strategy actively references the Anvil Creek area for future residential growth, and a Floodplain Risk Management Study for the Anvil Creek catchment is underway. The existing Voluntary Planning Agreement for local infrastructure contributions remains active.
Hunter Transmission Project
A critical 110 km overhead 500 kV transmission line project connecting Bayswater Power Station to a new switching station in Olney State Forest near Eraring. As of May 2026, the project is under assessment following the February 2026 lodgement of the Submissions and Amendment Reports. It serves as the northern section of the Sydney Ring, designed to transfer renewable energy from the Central-West Orana and New England REZs. Infrastructure includes new switching stations at Bayswater South and Olney, plus upgrades to existing substations. Environmental surveys are ongoing through May 2026, with a final government determination expected later this year.
Cessnock City Council Operational Plan & Capital Works 2024-25
A comprehensive $75.3 million capital works program for the 2024-25 period focused on infrastructure renewal. Key updates as of 2026 include the official opening of the Molly Worthington Netball Facility at Booth Park (April 2026), the completion of the Cessnock Regional Skatepark at Mount View Park, and the recommencement of the major Wollombi Road upgrade with new contractor Daracon. The program also includes the Branxton to Greta memorial cycleway and significant town centre revitalisation works in Branxton.
Woolworths Development - Huntlee
Regionally significant development application by Fabcot Pty Ltd for a Woolworths supermarket centre in the Huntlee town centre. The proposal includes a full-line Woolworths supermarket, liquor outlet, kiosk, nine commercial premises, direct to boot and home delivery facilities, 404 car spaces, landscaping and associated works. Cessnock City Council's May 2026 assessment report recommends approval, with the application remaining before the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Huntlee Local Water Centre 2
A planning proposal to rezone approximately 7,800 square metres of land from R1 General Residential and MU1 Mixed Use to SP2 Infrastructure - Sewerage System to establish a local water centre (wastewater treatment plant). The facility will provide essential wastewater services to support the Huntlee New Town development, increase efficiency and integration of land utilization, and reduce the burden on existing wastewater infrastructure that supports the established Huntlee New Town area. Public consultation concluded in September 2024.
Greta Train Support Facilities
A state-of-the-art train support and maintenance facility for Pacific National's coal haulage operations in the Hunter Valley. The facility includes four holding tracks, a locomotive refuelling and provisioning facility, a maintenance building with offices and amenities, a wash facility with water recycling, and a fuel farm. The project was completed to increase the capacity and efficiency of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain.
Employment
Employment conditions in North Rothbury rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
North Rothbury has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 11.6%.
As of December 2025, 3,073 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in North Rothbury is 77.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 16.8% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment are mining, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food.
Mining shows notable concentration with employment levels at 6.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 11.6% alongside labour force increasing by 11.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By contrast, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Rothbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, North Rothbury had a median taxpayer income of $66,467 and an average income of $81,808. Nationally, these figures stand at $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $73,326 (median) and $90,251 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. As per the 2021 Census, North Rothbury's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 78th and 81st percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 40.3% (2,295 individuals) falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to Regional NSW at 29.9%. North Rothbury residents spend 17.4% of their income on housing, with strong earnings placing disposable income at the 76th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
North Rothbury is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
North Rothbury's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Rothbury was at 15.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.9% and rented ones at 36.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in North Rothbury was $450, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, North Rothbury's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
North Rothbury features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 81.6% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.4%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational achievement in North Rothbury places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community
The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 37.8%.
Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
North Rothbury has 27 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively facilitating 533 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential with most commuters traveling outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 99%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 16.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 76 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in North Rothbury is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts
North Rothbury faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.
Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (3,373 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 72.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (410 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
North Rothbury is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
North Rothbury had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 89.9% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 52.2%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.
Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.4%), English (30.0%), and Irish (7.6%). Hungarian (0.5%) and Polish (0.8%) were also notably higher than regional averages of 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively. Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
North Rothbury hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
North Rothbury's median age of 29 years is significantly younger than Regional NSW's 43 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 21.9% of North Rothbury's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.6%. The 65-74 cohort makes up 4.5%, less prevalent than both Regional NSW and the national averages. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.3% to 21.9%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 15.8% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 9.5% to 7.2%, and the 5-14 group fell from 17.1% to 16.0%. Population forecasts for North Rothbury in 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise significantly by 1,077 people (86%), from 1,247 to 2,325.