Thrumster

Thrumster lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Thrumster is around 3,452 people. This figure reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,382 people in the suburb. The growth of 1,070 people (44.9%) was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,371 based on the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 831 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 264 persons per square kilometer in Thrumster. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.7%) and the non-metro area, making it a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.0% to Thrumster's overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Thrumster, with an expected expansion of 818 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Thrumster among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Thrumster has seen around 95 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS statistical area data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 476 homes were approved, with another 39 in FY-26 so far. On average, 1 person moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $473,000. This financial year has seen $49.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Thrumster has 401.0% more development activity per person. New developments consist of 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's current housing composition of 91.0% houses. There are approximately 29 people per dwelling approval in Thrumster, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Thrumster's population will grow by 50 residents.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Thrumster has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Thrumster Business Park, Sovereign Place Town Centre, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, and Barton Heights Master Plan (Sovereign Hills). 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Thrumster places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Thrumster's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%. Residents' unemployment rate of 1.9% is below Rest of NSW's 3.7%, and participation rate is higher at 69.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance has a significant share at 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.5%, raising unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Thrumster's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Thrumster has a median taxpayer income of $63,825 and an average income of $83,751 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is one of the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. As of September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $71,873 and an average income of $94,312, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Thrumster cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprises 38.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 1,329 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 18.7% of income in Thrumster, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Thrumster's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thrumster stood at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.9% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Thrumster was $460, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Thrumster's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,080 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Thrumster features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.8% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.2%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Thrumster exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Thrumster trail regional benchmarks, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education. Educational provision includes St Joseph's Regional College and Aspect Hunter School, Thrumster Satellite, collectively serving 1,016 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016) with balanced educational opportunities. Secondary education dominates with 1 schools, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. A specialist school addresses specific learning needs. The area functions as an education hub with 29.4 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 14.2 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows nine active stops operating in Thrumster. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 40 routes providing collective weekly trips totalling 297. Residents enjoy good accessibility, averaging 346 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 42 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Thrumster's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Thrumster residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, although it is higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 60% of the total population (2,070 people) has private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 48.6%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.5% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 2021, the area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (379 people), which is lower than the 28.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Thrumster's population, as of 2016 Census data, showed low cultural diversity with 85.1% born in Australia and 91.1% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 91.8%. Christianity dominated religious beliefs at 51.4%, while Hinduism was overrepresented at 2.5% compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.5%.

Ancestry-wise, the top groups were English (31.0%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.5%) Maltese (0.8%), and Indian (2.8%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.8%, 0.4%, and 0.4% respectively.

Thrumster hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Thrumster is 32 years, notably lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Rest of NSW, Thrumster has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.5%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.1% to 13.1%. Conversely, the population aged 5 to 14 declined from 15.9% to 14.4%, and the population aged 55 to 64 dropped from 8.0% to 6.5%. By 2041, Thrumster is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 15% (95 people), reaching 720 from 624. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.