Stockton (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Stockton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Stockton's population is estimated at around 4,386 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 340 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,046 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,339 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,191 persons per square kilometer. Stockton's growth rate of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of NSW at 5.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb of Stockton (NSW) expected to expand by 2,350 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 52.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Stockton has recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 100 homes. In FY-26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $6.5 million. Relative to Rest of NSW, Stockton has 10.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments.

The location has approximately 239 people per dwelling approval. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Stockton will gain 2,314 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may affect this area. Notable ones include Stockton Centre Repurposing, Dairy Farmers Towers, Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub, and Pottery Lane Residential Development - Newcastle. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Stockton has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Stockton has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of September 2025, 2,220 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is similar to Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is also broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 25.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, while labour force increased by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stockton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Stockton had a median income among taxpayers of $59,700 with an average level of $72,436. This is higher than national averages and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across the Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,989 (median) and $78,854 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at the 37th percentile, family incomes at the 38th percentile, and personal incomes at the 39th percentile in Stockton. The largest segment comprises 28.5% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Stockton, as per the most recent Census, 82.5% of dwellings were houses while 17.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is comparable to Non-Metro NSW where 82.6% were houses and 17.4% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Stockton stood at 37.9%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (30.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stockton was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Stockton was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Stockton's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Stockton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.3% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Stockton aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Stockton's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks as of 2021, with 23.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement in Stockton. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 28.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2021 census. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stockton has 46 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 34 routes that facilitate 1,400 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these transport options is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 150 meters of the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Stockton residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 87%, while 6% opt to walk. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Stockton is 1.3, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 200 trips per day, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stockton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Stockton faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age cohorts, but slightly higher among older individuals.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~2,436 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (9.4%). 62.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (947 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Stockton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Stockton's cultural diversity was below average, with 90.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Stockton, making up 53.4% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Stockton compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Scottish representation was higher at 9.4% versus 8.0%, and Macedonian representation was lower at 0.2% compared to 0.4%.

Stockton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Stockton's median age was 46 as of the 2021 Census, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 45-54 years showed strong representation at 12.8% compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 10.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicated a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 47 to 46 years. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.3% to 12.9%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.1% to 13.6%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.9% to 11.4%. By 2041, Stockton's age composition is expected to see notable shifts. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, with an increase of 371 people (66%) from 561 to 933.