Tighes Hill

Population growth drivers in Tighes Hill are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Tighes Hill's population is estimated at around 2,059. This reflects an increase of 258 people (14.3%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,801 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,011 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,573 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 14.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. 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 suburb is expected to expand by 357 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Tighes Hill has received approximately 8 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 41 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 7 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $484,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, approximately $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tighes Hill has 19.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 61st percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New developments consist of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards 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 predominantly houses (86.0%). With around 246 people per dwelling approval, Tighes Hill shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 292 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Construction pace has been maintaining reasonable growth, although buyers may face growing competition as the population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, 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 is 3.5%, lower than the national average of 4%. In the past year, estimated employment growth was 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 1,265 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.6 percentage points below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 77.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 61.5%. A significant proportion of residents work from home, with 32.2% reporting this arrangement in Census responses. The key industries of employment among Tighes Hill residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at twice the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation, at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. There are 0.6 workers for each resident, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while the labour force grew by 3.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and labour force contract by 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tighes Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Tighes Hill had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Tighes Hill was $53,016 and the average income stood at $64,275. These figures compared to those of Rest of NSW which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, current estimates for Tighes Hill would be approximately $57,713 (median) and $69,970 (average) by September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Tighes Hill clustered around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution data showed that 30.6% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (630 people), similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Tighes Hill demonstrated considerable affluence with another 30.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings in the area. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income while strong earnings ranked residents within the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Tighes Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tighes Hill was at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,810, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Tighes Hill was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Tighes Hill's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.2% of all households, consisting of 25.5% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households making up 9.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 41.9% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications. This compares to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 8.1% and certificates for 20.1%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in tertiary education, 8.9% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating in Tighes Hill, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 15 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1237 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically situated 137 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode at 84%, with cycling at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 32.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 176 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Tighes Hill are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Tighes Hill shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 2021.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly higher than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,078 people), leading the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impacted 11.5% of residents, while asthma affected 8.1%. A total of 68.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 11.2% of residents aged 65 and over (230 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Tighes Hill as of 2016 data, comprising 30.0% of people. Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, with 1.4% of Tighes Hill's population identifying as such, versus 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notable divergences included Macedonian at 0.6% (regional: 0.4%), Scottish at 9.0% (regional: 8.0%), and Welsh at 0.6% (regional: 0.5%).

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 the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 21.1% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 6.6%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.4%. Following the census conducted on August 10, 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 35. Specifically, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 18.4% to 21.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 12.4% to 10.1%, and the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 13.8% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Tighes Hill's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to experience the strongest growth at 28%, adding 119 residents to reach a total of 554. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.