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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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Sales Detail
Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Rankin Park reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
As of May 2026, the population of Rankin Park is estimated to be around 2,700. This reflects a growth of 153 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,547. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses, is 2,692 residents. This results in a density ratio of 1,836 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rankin Park's growth rate of 6.0% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of the Rest of NSW at 4.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.
AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Rankin Park expected to increase by 362 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.1% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rankin Park, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Rankin Park has seen around 9 residential properties approved annually, with approximately 46 homes granted approval between financial years FY21-FY25 inclusive. As of FY26, 5 homes have been approved so far. On average, about 2 new residents arrive per year for each new home over the past five financial years (FY21-FY25). However, this figure has increased to 7.1 people per dwelling in the last two financial years.
The average construction value of development projects is $401,000. This financial year alone, $2.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Recent construction comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% medium to high-density housing. Currently, the area has approximately 99.0% houses, indicating a shift towards denser development.
The location has about 681 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market. Future projections estimate Rankin Park will add 354 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though heightened competition may be experienced as the population grows.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rankin Park
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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
Rankin Park has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Vida at 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, Infinite Early Learning Elermore Vale, and Elermore Fields Estate. The following details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is a major redevelopment of the John Hunter and John Hunter Children's Hospitals at New Lambton Heights. The centrepiece is a new seven-storey Acute Services Building delivering an expanded Emergency Department designed for more than 95,000 annual presentations, 22 operating theatres and 9 interventional suites, a 60 per cent increase in ICU capacity, an expanded neonatal ICU, birthing and maternity units, and a new Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit. The building connects to the existing hospital and the Hunter Medical Research Institute via four link bridges and includes more than 2,600 square metres of elevated gardens and around 900 additional car parking spaces. As of April 2026, the four link bridges have been completed and the rooftop helipad has been successfully tested and commissioned, with internal fit-out and landscaping advancing. Construction of the new building is on track for completion in 2026, followed by an operational commissioning period before patients are welcomed. Refurbishment of areas in the existing facility is scheduled to follow, due for completion in 2027.
High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Line 1)
High Speed Rail Line 1 will connect Newcastle to Sydney on a new dedicated 194km rail line with trains capable of speeds up to 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels. Around 115km of the route will run through tunnels. The line will reduce travel time between Newcastle and Sydney to around one hour, with Central Coast trips of about 30 minutes. Six stations are proposed at central Newcastle (Broadmeadow), Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast (Gosford), Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. Following release of the business case in early 2026, the project moved into a two-year Development Phase, with the Australian Government investing a further $230 million for design refinement, environmental and planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The first two major contract packages went to tender in 2026: Area Package 1 (around 35km of twin TBM tunnels, an underground station and associated civil works) and Trains, Systems and Systems Integration (supply of trains, design of all systems, rail depot and operations control centre). The Newcastle to Sydney section is estimated to cost around $61.2 billion by 2039, with a further $32 billion to extend to Western Sydney International Airport by 2042. The project is forecast to support up to 15,000 construction jobs annually at peak and add around $250 billion to the Australian economy over a 50-year appraisal period.
Westfield Kotara Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Scentre Group is progressing plans for a significant mixed-use redevelopment of the Westfield Kotara site to create a 'town centre of the future.' The project involves integrating high-density residential housing with the established retail hub, utilizing approximately 60% of existing land currently used for car parks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deliver over 16,000 dwellings across several Westfield destinations by leveraging strategic masterplanning. The redevelopment aims to enhance community connectivity by adding a substantial residential component near transport and shopping infrastructure.
Kotara Transport Oriented Development Precinct
The Kotara Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Precinct is a state-led rezoning initiative aimed at increasing housing supply within 400m of Kotara station. The planning controls, which became effective in May 2024, facilitate mid-rise residential flat buildings and shop-top housing with heights up to 22m. The precinct development is integrated with the Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which is delivering a major accessibility upgrade to Kotara Station including new lifts, a new kiss and ride zone, and improved pedestrian connections to support the projected increase in local residents.
Newcastle Inner City Bypass - Rankin Park to Jesmond
The 3.4 km Rankin Park to Jesmond section is the fifth and final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. It delivers a new four lane divided road with three interchanges (southern at Lookout Road, hospital, and northern at Newcastle Road), removes up to 30,000 vehicles per day from local roads, and provides off road links for pedestrians and cyclists including a new steel arch bridge at the northern interchange. Traffic switches at Jesmond (Dec 2024) and Lookout Rd/McCaffrey Dr (mid 2025) mark major milestones. Opening to traffic is targeted for late 2025, weather permitting.
Infinite Early Learning Elermore Vale
A 141-place state-of-the-art childcare centre with six indoor play areas, originally planned as a medical and childcare facility including pharmacy, cafe, and pathology services, now changed to childcare only and under construction, set to open in Q3 2025.
Hunter Sports Centre Kaiyu Nungkiliko Expansion
The $52 million Hunter Sports Centre, Kaiyu Nungkiliko expansion has delivered a world-class athletics centre and an Australian-first Trampoline Centre of Excellence. The expansion includes a three-level, 4500m2 sport and community centre with community and function rooms, a 24-hour health and fitness centre, offices, caf' with commercial kitchen, and conference spaces. The NSW Trampoline Centre of Excellence features a 1300m2 hall with ten trampolines, two tumbling strips, a foam pit, warm-up areas, and grandstand seating for 400. The facility also houses the Trevor Height Athlete Testing Facility in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, offering cutting-edge sports performance analysis with VO2 max testing equipment for athletes of all levels. The centre serves as the Hunter region's premier sporting venue with Olympic-standard facilities including nine-lane Olympic running tracks and gymnastics centre.
Newcastle 2040
City of Newcastle's Community Strategic Plan (CSP) setting the shared vision and priorities for the next 10+ years. Originally adopted in 2022 and revised in 2024/25, the updated CSP was endorsed by Council on 15 April 2025. It guides policies, strategies and actions across the LGA and is implemented through the Delivery Program and Operational Plan known as Delivering Newcastle 2040.
Employment
Rankin Park ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Rankin Park has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.2% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability was relative.
The AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data indicates that 1,436 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rankin Park is high at 68.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 33.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.
Rankin Park shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs none of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4% while labour force increased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rankin Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized 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
AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Rankin Park had a median taxpayer income of $66,614 and an average income of $78,814. These figures are high nationally compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rankin Park would be approximately $73,489 (median) and $86,948 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates incomes in Rankin Park cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 34.6% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% fall within this range. High earners comprise 30.8%, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Rankin Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Rankin Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rankin Park stood at 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.3% and rented ones at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, above Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Rankin Park was $450, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Rankin Park's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Rankin Park features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 81.9% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.1%, consisting of 15.9% lone person households and 2.9% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Rankin Park demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Rankin Park has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 35.3% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in the rest of New South Wales (NSW) and 26.1% in the Small Area Level 4 (SA4) region. The area's educational advantage is driven by a high proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (23.7%), postgraduate qualifications (7.7%), and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.
This includes advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (22.8%). Educational participation is notably high in Rankin Park, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.2%), secondary education (7.0%), and tertiary education (5.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Rankin Park has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 31 different routes that together facilitate 460 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 151 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Rankin Park, which is higher than the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 33.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 65 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Rankin Park's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Rankin Park's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across all age groups, with a high private health cover rate of approximately 58% (~1,567 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.7 and 9.1% respectively. About 64.5% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 19.8% (534 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%, with national rankings generally in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Rankin Park ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Rankin Park's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.6% of its population born in Australia, 94.8% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Rankin Park, comprising 48.5% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (8.4%).
Notably, Welsh (1.0%) was overrepresented in Rankin Park compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Polish (1.0%) and Macedonian (0.4%) were also overrepresented.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Rankin Park's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in Rankin Park is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Rankin Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (15.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25-34 grew from 11.6% to 13.8%, while the population aged 65-74 declined from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rankin Park's age structure. The 35-44 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 528 people from the current 423. Conversely, the populations aged 65-74 and 15-24 are projected to decline.