Valentine

Valentine is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Valentine has an estimated population of approximately 5,753 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by AreaSearch since the Census. This represents a reduction of 20 people (0.3%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,773 residents. The estimate of 5,753 residents was determined by AreaSearch through examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and incorporating 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level results in a density of 1,171 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages across areas evaluated by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was driven largely by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 94.0% of all population increases.

For future projections, AreaSearch uses ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, or NSW State Government SA2 projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year where national data is unavailable. Age cohort growth rates from these datasets are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. These calculations project a decline in the total number of residents in the suburb of Valentine, with the population forecast to drop by 304 people by 2041. Conversely, expansion is expected in particular age groups, most notably the cohort aged 85 and over, which is projected to rise by 98 residents. Further statistics are available in the age section.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Valentine, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Data on building approvals from the ABS indicate that Valentine averages approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually, resulting in an estimated 44 residential approvals over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 3 approvals registered during FY-26 so far. With an average of no new residents arriving per new home annually during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the supply of new housing is matching or outstripping demand, providing buyers with diverse options and establishing capacity for growth beyond current projections, while new properties carry an average construction value of $716,000, indicating that developers are focusing on upmarket, premium residences.

Residential construction in Valentine is significantly quieter than the Rest of NSW average, sitting 63.0% below the regional per capita figure. This limited supply of new properties generally bolsters demand and valuations for established homes, even though building activity has seen a recent uptick. This volume of development is also below national standards, pointing to the maturity of the local market and potential planning limitations. The mix of new construction consists of 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% medium and high-density dwellings, which preserves the traditional low-density character of the area while catering to buyers who prioritize space. This composition represents a clear shift from the existing housing stock, where houses make up 88.0% of dwellings, indicating a scarcity of vacant land and adapting to changing buyer budgets and preferences. Reflecting a mature market, there are roughly 443 people for every new dwelling approved.

Given that demographic projections forecast a stable or contracting population, Valentine is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit prospective buyers.

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

Local infrastructure updates, planning projects, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Key projects of relevance include the Bareki Road, Eleebana to Valentine Shared Path, the Woolworths Belmont North Supermarket Development, the Brooks Parade Belmont Mixed Use Development, and the Belmont North Community Recycling Centre, with details on the most significant initiatives listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Valentine ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

A highly educated labor force resides in Valentine, with a strong representation of workers in essential service fields and an unemployment rate of only 1.3%, based on statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 3,061 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.8% lower than the 4.1% rate recorded in Regional NSW, and the participation rate is significantly elevated at 65.9% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census figures indicate that 32.2% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. There is a high concentration of workers in the professional & technical sector, which operates at 1.5 times the regional average rate. In contrast, the agriculture, forestry & fishing industry has a minimal footprint, employing only 0.4% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across the region. A comparison between the number of local jobs and the size of the working resident population indicates that the immediate area provides few employment opportunities locally.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the broader statistical area shows that over the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 0.4% and total employment fell by 1.0%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 0.9%, the labor force drop by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future employment trends in Valentine. These five-year and ten-year national projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these national industry trends to the local employment structure suggests that employment among residents could grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation rather than a localized population forecast.

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

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Valentine earn a median income of $54,034 and an average income of $72,487. These figures exceed national benchmarks and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current income estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $59,610 for the median and $79,968 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in the area were positioned around the 71st percentile nationally. The data shows that 29.9% of the population (1,720 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, matching the Regional NSW proportion of 29.9%. High earners are prominent, with 34.0% earning more than $3,000 per week, pointing to substantial financial capacity. Residents retain 88.6% of their income after meeting housing expenses, and the area is positioned in the 7th decile of the SEIFA index for income.

Valentine is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The housing stock in Valentine at the latest Census was composed of 88.0% separate houses and 12.0% semi-detached properties, apartments, or other dwelling types, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership is high, with 49.2% of homes owned outright, while 39.5% are mortgaged and 11.3% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,096, which is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $490, compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.2%, consisting of 37.4% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.1% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.8% of dwellings, with single-person households representing 17.9% and group households making up 1.1%. The average household size is 2.7 residents, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The educational profile of the area is distinct when compared to the broader region, with 29.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA3 average of 23.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Practical and trade skills are also common, with 40.0% of residents aged 15 and older possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 26.8%.

A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 28.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This population comprises 10.2% in primary school, 8.2% in high school, and 4.1% undertaking higher education courses.

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

Public transport infrastructure includes 77 active transport stops in Valentine, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 24 different routes, providing a total of 364 passenger journeys each week. Local access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 128 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, 96% of commuting residents travel by car. Households own an average of 1.8 vehicles, which exceeds the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 32.2%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Services run at an average frequency of 52 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 4 weekly trips for each individual stop.

The level of general health in Valentine is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Valentine shows positive health metrics in AreaSearch's evaluation of death rates and chronic illness, with both older and younger age groups showing low rates of common health conditions, while private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 56% of the population, representing about 3,197 individuals. This is higher than the 51.9% coverage rate observed in Regional NSW.

The most prevalent chronic conditions among residents are arthritis, affecting 9.5% of the population, and asthma, affecting 8.0%, while 66.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health statistics for residents under 65 are better than average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.9% of the population, totaling 1,374 people, and health outcomes for this senior cohort are above average, with national rankings matching those of the wider community.

Valentine is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

The population shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 88.7% of residents born in Australia, 94.9% holding citizenship, and 95.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, adhered to by 53.2% of residents. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is Judaism, which is practiced by 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

The three most common ancestral backgrounds identified by local residents are English at 34.5%, Australian at 29.8%, and Scottish at 8.7%. There are also statistical deviations in other heritages, with Welsh ancestry overrepresented at 1.0% of the population compared to 0.5% regionally, South Australian ancestry at 0.6% compared to 0.2%, and Polish ancestry at 0.8% compared to 0.5%.

Valentine hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 46 in Valentine is slightly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and significantly higher than the national median of 38. The 45 to 54 age bracket is strongly represented at 14.0% relative to the region, whereas the 25 to 34 cohort is less common at 6.7%. Post-Census statistics show that the 15 to 24 age group increased from 11.3% to 13.1% of the population, while the 55 to 64 bracket decreased from 13.9% to 12.9%. Projections for 2041 indicate shifts in the local age profile, led by a 60% increase in the 85 and over cohort, which is expected to grow by 89 people to reach 239 from 149. This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 59% of the projected growth, while declines are forecast for the 75 to 84 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.