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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
The median house price in Rathmines is $880k, with units at $605k. House values have moved 3.1% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Rathmines has an estimated 2,133 residents, up from 2,076 at the 2021 Census — a change of 57 people, or 2.7%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years, slower than 75% of areas nationally. That puts 525 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Evaluating demographic updates from the ABS for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from AreaSearch since the Census points to a population of approximately 2,133 in the suburb of Rathmines as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 57 people (2.7%) from the 2,076 residents documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an AreaSearch projection of 2,131 residents, calculated by analyzing the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures combined with 28 newly validated addresses established after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 525 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density and room for potential expansion.
With a post-census growth rate of 2.7%, the suburb of Rathmines lags the Rest of NSW (4.9%) by 2.2 percentage points but remains competitive. The population rise was mostly fueled by net migration from abroad, accounting for roughly 53.0% of the overall increase, though interstate migration and natural increase also posted positive gains. Projections utilize 2024 releases from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as their baseline, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government models starting from a 2021 baseline where necessary. These age cohort trends are projected forward to cover 2032 through 2041. Future demographic models suggest the overall population will face a slight contraction, dropping by 2 persons by 2041 under this framework. Conversely, certain age segments will expand, particularly the cohort aged 25 to 34, which is expected to rise by 40 people. Refer to the age section for additional statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
71 new dwellings have been approved in Rathmines over the past five years, an average of 14 a year. That is 6.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals allocated to the area shows that the suburb of Rathmines averages about 14 new residential approvals annually, totaling 71 over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, with 12 approved during FY-26 so far. Market stability is supported by a ratio of 1.4 new residents per completed dwelling over the FY-21 to FY-25 period, indicating balanced supply and demand. The average construction cost of these new buildings is $679,000, pointing to a focus on high-end, premium housing. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $7.7 million during the current financial year, highlighting that the locality remains overwhelmingly residential.
Compared to the Rest of NSW, building activity per resident in the suburb of Rathmines is roughly three-quarters of the regional average, placing it in the 74th percentile of all locations nationwide. Detached houses account for 92.0% of recent construction, with semi-detached or attached options making up the remaining 8.0%, which helps retain low-density characteristics suitable for buyers seeking space. An average of approximately 170 residents per approved dwelling further highlights the low-density nature of the area. Faced with stable or shrinking demographic projections, the suburb of Rathmines might experience reduced housing demand, which could create advantageous buying conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rathmines
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Rathmines, worth an estimated $7 million. A further 25 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $156 million. 7 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and environmental & disaster management. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 3 projects expected to influence the local area. Significant projects include Wangi Shores Retirement Village - Stage 3B Block K, Rathmines Park Transformation, the 3-story residential building with 13 apartments at 1 Kent Place, Wangi Wangi, and the mixed-use development at 114-120 Cary Street, with details below focusing on the most significant developments.
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
Wangi Shores Retirement Village - Stage 3B Block K
Stage 3B (Block K) at Wangi Shores Retirement Village is a new waterfront stage on Lake Macquarie, delivering eight over 55s villas (four upper and four lower) with two bedrooms, study, balconies and undercover parking, with residents enjoying access to the village pool, spa, community centre, gardens and other shared facilities; construction has commenced with completion expected in late 2026.
Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation
A $10 million transformation of the Toronto foreshore featuring continuous waterfront pathway, expanded playground, new town green, improved connections, expanded cafe area, boardwalk connections, extended shared pathway, bike hub, new lookout locations, shade pavilion and barbecue facilities. The project is being delivered across four precincts with Town Green Precinct completed in 2022.
Road Rehabilitation - South Parade, Blackalls Park
Council is rehabilitating the section of South Parade between Fassifern Road and Centre Avenue in Blackalls Park to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Works are funded as part of Lake Macquarie City Councils wider road improvements program and include resurfacing, drainage and footpath upgrades, as well as associated traffic and safety improvements. The project is valued at about $1.7 million and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Temporary works to reopen Fennell Crescent culvert, Blackalls Park
Temporary works to remove the collapsed culvert, install a temporary replacement and resurface the road so Fennell Crescent can reopen to traffic. The road was closed from late July 2025 and is being reopened with a 5 tonne load limit and heavy vehicles detouring via Railway Parade. Council plans a full culvert replacement and broader road rehabilitation, with detailed design in the 2026-2027 financial year and construction in 2027-2028.
Rathmines Park Upgrade
Completed Lake Macquarie City Council upgrade of Rathmines Park, including a new youth hub, Lake Macquarie's largest skate park, pump track, multi-court, playground improvements and public recreation facilities. The upgrade strengthens Rathmines Park as a regional foreshore recreation destination while recognising the site's former RAAF seaplane base heritage.
136-138 Brighton Avenue Apartment Development
A low-rise 5-floor apartment building with 28 residential units, 1 commercial unit, and 29 car spaces in Toronto.
1 Kent Place, Wangi Wangi - 3 storey apartment building (13 residences)
A three storey residential building proposed at 1 Kent Place, Wangi Wangi in the Lake Macquarie City Council area. The project is planned to deliver 13 apartments above ground level parking, with 24 car spaces on a 933 square metre B1 Neighbourhood Centre corner site close to shops, services and the Wangi Wangi foreshore.
114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development
Five-storey twin towers mixed-use development featuring 108 residential units, commercial premises, and basement parking.
1,013 residents of Rathmines are employed, from a labour force of 1,054. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 58.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,896, about 89% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly trained workforce characterizes the suburb of Rathmines, where essential service industries are well represented and unemployment stands at a low 3.9%, according to aggregated regional statistics. Working residents numbered 1,013 as of March 2026, keeping the unemployment rate 0.2% below the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. However, participation in the labor force is slightly depressed at 58.4% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 21.7% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely impacted by pandemic restrictions. The top sectors employing residents are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.9% of local employment, compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. The relationship between local job counts and resident workers points to limited local career opportunities. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics over the 12-month period indicates the local workforce contracted by 0.3% while total employment fell by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 1.9 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 0.9%, the workforce contract by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. Projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional perspectives on local industry opportunities. These five and ten-year national outlooks are aligned with local employment profiles to estimate future trends. Although national employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents of the suburb of Rathmines will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, using a basic weighted extrapolation that does not adjust for local population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rathmines is $1,517 a week (about $79,000 a year), with median personal income at $728 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,028 a year against an average of $65,425. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Rathmines run slightly below the national benchmark, with a median of $47,028 and an average of $65,425. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of $51,881 for the median and $72,177 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places local personal, family, and household incomes in the modest 34th to 36th percentiles.
The largest income bracket contains 30.0% of residents (639 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which aligns closely with the regional proportion of 29.9%. Disposable income after housing costs stands at 85.6% of earnings, placing the area in the 4th decile for SEIFA financial advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rathmines had 767 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 0% apartments. 41% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 26.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The housing profile in the suburb of Rathmines at the latest Census consisted of 92.9% separate houses and 7.1% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other options across Regional NSW. Outright home ownership is exceptionally high at 45.3%, with mortgaged properties representing 41.0% and rented properties making up 13.8%. The median monthly mortgage payment matches the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent of $400 is higher than the regional average of $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs sit below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rathmines counted 767 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 29% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 79.0% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 29.4%, couples without children at 34.2%, and single-parent homes at 15.0%. The remaining 21.0% are non-family households, including lone-person households at 18.5% and group share houses at 2.3%. The median household size of 2.6 residents exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.3% of adults in Rathmines hold a university qualification, including 14.4% with a bachelor degree and 3.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.8% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 328 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,000 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational challenges exist within the area, as university degree holders make up only 20.3% of residents compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted academic programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Technical credentials are highly prevalent, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 33.8%. Academic participation is strong, with 27.6% of the population currently engaged in study. This includes 10.0% attending primary school, 7.6% in high school, and 3.6% enrolled in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Rathmines reaches 25 stops on 32 routes, timetabled for about 220 services a week. The typical home sits about 140 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport links include 25 active stops within the suburb of Rathmines, providing bus connections. These stops are served by 32 routes that run a combined 223 passenger services weekly. Accessibility is highly rated, with residents living an average of 139 meters from their closest stop. Due to the residential character of the suburb of Rathmines, most workers travel out of the area, with private cars being the main transport mode for 96% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.8 cars, exceeding the regional benchmark. Working from home was recorded for 21.7% of residents in the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by pandemic conditions.
Service frequency across the network averages 31 daily trips, which translates to roughly 8 weekly passenger services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
58.8% of residents in Rathmines report no long-term health condition. 6.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
An assessment of mortality and chronic illness rates reveals notable health challenges in the suburb of Rathmines, with common medical issues affecting both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is slightly above the SA2 average at approximately 53% of residents, representing around 1,126 people. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 58.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic disease rates are elevated among the working-age population.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 27.9% of the population (595 people), exceeding the Regional NSW proportion of 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some difficulties, with national performance metrics generally mirroring those of the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Rathmines is largely Australian-born, at 88.2% of residents, with 4.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.8%) and Australian (30.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Rathmines is below average, with 88.2% of residents born in Australia, 92.8% holding citizenship, and 95.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant faith at 55.4% of the population, which is comparable to the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW. The three most common ancestral backgrounds are English at 32.8%, Australian at 30.0%, and Scottish at 9.9%. Notable variations in other backgrounds include Welsh at 1.3% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Lebanese at 0.4% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.9% (compared to 4.6% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rathmines is 47, older than 85% of areas nationally. 20.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Rathmines is 47 years, which is higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 at 16.2%, contrasting with a smaller cohort aged 25 - 34 at 8.8% compared to Regional NSW. The 65 - 74 cohort is significantly larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.8% to 8.8%, while those aged 55 to 64 declined from 14.9% to 13.2%.
By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the population profile, led by an 18% increase in the 25 to 34 age bracket, growing by 33 people to reach 221 from 187. Conversely, contractions are expected in the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rathmines
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Nov 2025 9 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Nov 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 28 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,076 at the 2021 Census → 2,133 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL13332). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.