Scone

Scone 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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Scone statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,862 people. This figure reflects an increase of 38 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,824 people in the same area. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,818 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density in the Scone statistical area (Lv2) is approximately 53 persons per square kilometer. This level provides ample space per person, and the area's growth rate of 0.7% since the census places it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.0%. The primary driver for population growth in recent periods was overseas migration, contributing approximately 98.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 employs 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, the Scone statistical area (Lv2) is anticipated to increase by 191 persons to reach a total population of approximately 6,053 people by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 2.5% in the area's population over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Scone recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 91 homes were approved, with an additional 13 so far in FY-26. This supply meets or exceeds demand, with only 0.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these years.

The average construction value of new homes is $487,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. There have been $8.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Rest of NSW, Scone has slightly more development (10.0% above regional average per person over the 5-year period), preserving buyer options while sustaining property demand. However, activity is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.

New development consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Scone's low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 284 people per dwelling approval, Scone exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Scone will grow by 146 residents through to 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding forecasts.

Scone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region: Upper Hunter Energy Park, Aberdeen Valley Fair Commercial Development, AGL Pumped Hydro Projects at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek, Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

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Employment conditions in Scone demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Scone has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.2% as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of September 2025, 2884 residents are employed at a rate of 1.7% below Rest of NSW's 3.8%, with workforce participation at 62.2%.

Key employment sectors include mining, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Mining is particularly specialized, employing 5 times the regional average, while health care employs 10.2% locally compared to 16.9% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Scone's labour force decreased by 2.8% and employment declined by 2.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points.

Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment decline, 0.1% labour force decline, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment increase. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Scone has a median taxpayer income of $51,359 and an average income of $96,728 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,909 (median) and $105,298 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Scone, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.0% of residents (1,699 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses.

Scone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Scone, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.7% of dwellings were houses while 15.2% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scone stood at 33.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 31.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,603, higher than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,538. Weekly rent in Scone averaged $290, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, Scone's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,603 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $290 versus the national figure of $375.

Scone has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.4% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 32.6%, comprising 29.1% lone person households and 3.3% group households of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Scone fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 28.9%, with 11.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Scone shows 130 active transport stops operating, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively offering 871 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 124 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Scone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Scone faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Scone is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,813 people), compared to 58.5% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively.

While 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is slightly higher than the 65.4% across Rest of NSW. Scone has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 21.1%, with 1,236 people in this age group compared to 18.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Scone ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Scone's cultural diversity was below average, with 87.8% of its population being citizens and 87.7% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 92.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 65.5%, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (31.8%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.9% in Scone versus 6.6% regionally. Scottish representation was also higher at 7.8%, compared to 7.3%. Filipino representation stood out at 1.0%, while the regional figure was 0.7%.

Scone's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Scone is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Scone has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (10.7%). Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.9% to 14.7%, while the 65-74 cohort rose from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 group decreased from 12.1% to 10.3%, and the 5-14 age group fell from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Scone's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 30% (124 people), reaching 547 from 422. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.