Tighes Hill

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

The population of the Tighes Hill statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 2,058 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 257 people since the 2021 Census. This is an increase of 14.3% compared to the previous population of 1,801 people recorded in the census. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch was 2,011 as of June 2024, with an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth figure. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,572 persons per square kilometer for Tighes Hill (SA2), placing it in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, accounting for about 37% of overall population gains. However, all factors including interstate migration and natural growth contributed positively to the population increase.

According to projections adopted by AreaSearch, the Tighes Hill (SA2) is expected to experience an above median population growth in Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 349 persons, reflecting a total gain of 14.1% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tighes Hill has averaged around 8 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 41 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. This results in about 7 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating demand outstrips supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $484,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.5 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tighes Hill has 19.0% less building activity per person but ranks in the 61st percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New developments consist of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, favoring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the current housing mix, which is 86.0% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

Tighes Hill's population growth is projected at around 246 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Tighes Hill will gain approximately 291 residents. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population rises.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are 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.

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The employment environment in Tighes Hill shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Tighes Hill has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate in the area was 3.5% as of September 2025, which is 0.3% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. Workforce participation in Tighes Hill is high at 71.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a notable concentration in the latter, being twice the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing show lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

There were 0.6 workers per resident as recorded by the Census, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. In the past year, ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force rose by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Tighes Hill has an income level below the national average, according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Tighes Hill is $53,016, with an average income of $64,275. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Tighes Hill would be approximately $57,713 (median) and $69,970 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Tighes Hill cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates, with 30.6% of residents (629 people) falling within this range, mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Tighes Hill demonstrates considerable affluence, with 30.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes For Areas (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

In Tighes Hill, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tighes Hill stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged properties at 39.2% and rented ones at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,810, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent in Tighes Hill was $400, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, Tighes Hill's mortgage repayments were below 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 comprise the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households making up 9.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of 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 years and over holding 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 prevalent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15 years and over 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. 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, served by buses from 15 routes offering 1,237 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 137 meters, with service frequency averaging 176 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 176 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 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 relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (~1,077 people), slightly higher than the SA2 area average of 56.7%. Mental health issues affect 11.5%, while asthma impacts 8.1% of residents. About 68.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The senior population (aged 65 and over) comprises 11.3% (232 people), lower than the Rest of NSW average of 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of 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, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 85.5% born there. Citizenship was also high at 90.5%. English was the primary language spoken at home by 91.5%.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 30.0%. Islam, while a minority, was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages (1.4% vs 1.7%). The top ancestral groups were English (31.6%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notable variations included Macedonian (0.6% vs 0.8%), Scottish (9.0% vs 8.4%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.8%).

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

At 35 years, Tighes Hill's median age 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 20.4% locally, while 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 6.6%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Following the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.4% to 20.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Tighes Hill's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 31%, adding 132 residents to reach 552. On the other hand, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.