Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
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
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Valentine statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 5,761 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 12 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,773 people in the Valentine (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,755 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,173 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 292 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 103 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Valentine is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Valentine has averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 22 homes were approved, with one additional approval recorded so far in FY26.
On average, around 0.6 new residents have arrived per new home over these five financial years, suggesting that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average value of new dwellings developed is $716,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to the rest of NSW, Valentine records significantly lower building activity, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has increased in recent periods, though it remains below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints. New building activity in Valentine comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.
This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 88.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 676 people per dwelling approval, Valentine reflects a highly mature market. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Valentine 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 one major project likely affecting the region: Bareki Road. Other key projects include Eleebana to Valentine Shared Path, Woolworths Belmont North Supermarket Development, Brooks Parade Belmont Mixed Use Development, and Belmont North Community Recycling Centre. The following list details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Stage 1)
The first stage of Australia's High Speed Rail network involves a 194km dedicated rail line connecting Newcastle to Sydney. The project features trains reaching speeds of 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels, aiming to reduce travel time to approximately one hour. Following the 2025 business case evaluation, the project has moved into a two-year Development Phase focusing on design refinement (to 40% maturity), securing planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The route includes approximately 115km of tunneling and six planned stations: Broadmeadow, Lake Macquarie, Gosford, Sydney Central, Parramatta, and Western Sydney International Airport.
Woolworths Belmont North Supermarket Development
Redevelopment of the 4.04-hectare former Bunnings site into a retail hub featuring a 3,800sqm full-line Woolworths supermarket. The project includes repurposing the existing warehouse structure to house specialty tenancies for food, health, and services, alongside 341 at-grade parking spaces and Direct to Boot facilities.
Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution
A permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel, the entrance to Lake Macquarie, involving a Beaver 30 dredge vessel and sand transfer system to maintain safe navigation for vessels, with sand pumped to Blacksmiths Beach. The project includes upgrades to the Blacksmiths boat ramp and aims to address ongoing sand accumulation issues.
Rathmines Park Transformation
Comprehensive redevelopment of Rathmines Park into a regional recreation destination. Features a $2+ million transformation including Lake Macquarie's biggest skate park, new pump track, youth activity areas, upgraded playground equipment, new playground, learn-to-ride area, youth hub, sports facilities, walking trails, and waterfront amenities. Enhanced connection to Lake Macquarie foreshore with improved accessibility and parking.
Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan
The Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan involves multi-stage upgrades to create a premier sports precinct. Stage 1, completed in March 2025 at a cost of $14 million, includes new rectangular fields, a baseball diamond, cricket wickets, irrigation, lighting, amenities buildings, and resurfacing of 14 netball courts. Future stages, estimated at $25 million, will include further field improvements, drainage, grandstands, seating, and car park upgrades to support local and regional competitions.
Belmont Business Park
Lake Macquarie's new commercial and light industrial development offering exceptional quality units with innovative space for business owners, trades, start-ups, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs. Features high-quality concrete construction, mezzanines, dedicated parking, and amenities.
Newcastle 2040
City of Newcastle's Community Strategic Plan (CSP) setting the shared vision and priorities for the next 10+ years. Originally adopted in 2022 and revised in 2024/25, the updated CSP was endorsed by Council on 15 April 2025. It guides policies, strategies and actions across the LGA and is implemented through the Delivery Program and Operational Plan known as Delivering Newcastle 2040.
Brooks Parade Belmont Mixed Use Development
Demolition of existing structures and construction of a mixed-use, multi-storey development comprising four towers (one 7-storey and three 6-storey with rooftop gardens), 130 residential units, three retail/commercial units, basement car parking, and associated landscaping.
Employment
Employment conditions in Valentine rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
Valentine's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of September 2025.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. This compares favourably to Rest of NSW's 3.8% unemployment rate and 0.5% employment decline during the same period. Valentine's workforce participation rate was 62.4%, higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
Professional & technical services showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, labour force by 3.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Valentine's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Valentine's median income among taxpayers is $54,034. The average income in the suburb is $72,487. Both figures are above the national averages. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Valentine's median income would be approximately $58,821 and the average would be around $78,909 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in Valentine cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.9% of Valentine's population (1,722 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which aligns with the regional average for this cohort. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 34.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Valentine is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The latest Census evaluation showed that Valentine's dwelling structure comprised 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Valentine was at 49.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.5%) or rented (11.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Valentine was $2,096, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000 and significantly above the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Valentine was recorded at $490, which is substantially higher than Non-Metro NSW's $370 and the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Valentine features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 81.2% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Valentine shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.4% of residents aged 15+, exceeding both the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA3 area average of 23.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.2% while certificates make up 26.8%.
Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.2% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis shows 77 active stops operating in Valentine. These are mixed bus services. They are served by 24 routes offering 364 weekly passenger trips.
Accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically 128 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 52 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 4 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Valentine is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Valentine faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which totals around 3,201 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point three percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across the Rest of NSW. Twenty-three point three percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,342 people), which is higher than the 21.4% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Valentine is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Valentine's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.7% born in Australia, 94.9% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 53.2%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.
In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (34.5%), Australian (29.8%), and Scottish (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 1.0% vs 0.8%, South African at 0.6% vs 0.3%, and Polish at 0.8% vs 0.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Valentine hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Valentine's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes a strong 13.9% in Valentine compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.3%, whereas the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.9%. By 2041, Valentine is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 71%, reaching 247 people from the current figure of 144. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall demographic shift, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.