Tighes Hill

Population growth drivers in Tighes Hill are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Tighes Hill's population is estimated at around 1,903 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 102 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,801 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,889, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,378 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.1%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 359 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Tighes Hill has experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 51 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 5.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This indicates demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $484,000. In FY-26, there has been $233,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tighes Hill maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

New development consists of 15.0% detached dwellings and 85.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a focus on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 86.0% houses. Tighes Hill reflects a highly mature market with around 1314 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Tighes Hill will gain 456 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, Hunter Park Precinct, and Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill. The following list details those most 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 employment environment in Tighes Hill shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Tighes Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 1,241 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is higher than average at 71.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.6, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decrease in employment (-0.1%), an increase in labour force (0.3%), and a rise in unemployment (0.4 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Tighes Hill's employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Tighes Hill's median income among taxpayers was $53,016 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,275 during the same period. These figures are comparable to those of Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimates suggest Tighes Hill's median income will be approximately $59,701 and the average income around $72,380, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tighes Hill cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 30.6% of residents (582 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to regional levels where 29.9% fall within this bracket. Tighes Hill exhibits affluence with 30.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing expenses account for 14.5% of income. Residents rank in the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Tighes Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Tighes Hill's dwellings were predominantly houses at 86.4%, with other types such as semi-detached and apartments making up the remaining 13.6% in the latest Census. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling composition of 70.5% houses and 29.5% others. In terms of home ownership, Tighes Hill had a lower rate at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,810, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. Median weekly rent in Tighes Hill was $400, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Tighes Hill's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Tighes Hill features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 67.2% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

Tighes Hill shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Tighes Hill is notably high, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (20.1%). Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in tertiary education, 8.9% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education.

Tighes Hill Public School serves the area, enrolling 361 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with an ICSEA score of 1107, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 19.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, suggesting Tighes Hill serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The analysis shows 15 operational transport stops in Tighes Hill, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, offering a total of 1,387 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with residents usually located 139 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 198 trips per day across all routes, which equals approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Tighes Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Tighes Hill residents show positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (~996 people), slightly higher than the SA2 area average of 55.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.5%) and asthma (8.1%), with 68.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 11.1% residents aged 65 and over (211 people), lower than the 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with general population's profile.

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

Tighes Hill, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 30.0% of the population. Islam, however, was relatively overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Macedonian (0.6%) and Scottish (9.0%) groups were overrepresented in Tighes Hill compared to the regional averages of 0.8% and 8.4%, respectively. Welsh, at 0.6%, was slightly under the regional average of 0.8%.

Tighes Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Tighes Hill's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Tighes Hill at 20.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 6.6%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post the Census conducted on 28th August 2021, younger residents have shifted Tighes Hill's median age down by one year to 35 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 18.4% to 20.5%. Conversely, those aged 55-64 have declined from 12.4% to 10.2%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modelling suggests Tighes Hill's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 161 residents to reach a total of 552. In contrast, the 65-74 age group shows minimal growth of just 4%, with an increase of only five people.