Tighes Hill

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

By Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Tighes Hill was estimated at around 2,059, reflecting a 14.3% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,801 people. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,011 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb had a density ratio of 2,573 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Tighes Hill's growth exceeded that of Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, while utilising 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest a median increase just below national non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 364 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.3% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Tighes Hill has seen around 8 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 41 homes since FY-21. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 6.7 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

This typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average value of $484,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $1.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tighes Hill records 19.0% less building activity per person while placing among the 61st percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. New development consists of 20.0% detached houses and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 86.0% houses.

This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 246 people per dwelling approval, Tighes Hill shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 316 residents through to 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Tighes Hill 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 seven projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include the 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Tighes Hill maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Tighes Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of December 2025. Employment stability was evident over the past year based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,253 residents were employed while the unemployment rate aligned with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Tighes Hill was higher at 77.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 32.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area had a notable specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.3% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicated above-average local employment opportunities as of the Census. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1% and labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Tighes Hill. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Tighes Hill's median income among taxpayers was $53,016 with an average of $64,275. This is below the national average. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates suggest Tighes Hill's median income could be approximately $57,713 and average $69,970 by September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Tighes Hill cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 30.6% of residents (630 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with regional trends at 29.9%. Notably, 30.6% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity that drives local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Tighes Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tighes Hill was at 26.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (34.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,810, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Regional 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, including 25.5% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares favourably to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 8.1% and certificates make up 20.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest available figures. 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

Tighes Hill has 15 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops collectively facilitate 1,237 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 137 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward and primarily use cars (84%), while 7% cycle. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 176 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,078 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 11.5% of residents, while asthma affects 8.1%. A total of 68.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (228 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 85.5% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 30.0%. Islam was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

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

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

Tighes Hill's median age in 2021 was 35 years, significantly below the Regional NSW average of 43 and slightly younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Tighes Hill had a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (21.1% vs. 17.9%) and a lower proportion of 65-74 year-olds (6.5% vs. 9.5%). This was reflected in the national comparison, with Tighes Hill having a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (21.1% vs. 14.4%). Post-2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1.1 years to 35 due to an increase in younger residents. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 18.4% to 21.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.4% to 10.0% and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.8% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Tighes Hill's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 122 residents to reach 557. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is projected to decline by 5 people.