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
The median house price in Valentine is $1.39m, with units at $904k. House values have moved 6.2% a year compounded over five years.
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.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Valentine has an estimated 5,769 residents. That puts 1,175 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population updates and addresses validated post-Census, the population of the suburb of Valentine stands at roughly 5,769 as of Aug 2026. This represents a reduction of 4 people (0.1%) compared to the 5,773 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. Such movement is calculated from an estimated resident count of 5,753 derived from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 4 validated new addresses added following the Census. The suburb of Valentine maintains a density of 1,174 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical benchmarks evaluated by AreaSearch.
Inbound overseas migration served as the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 94.0% of recent population additions. Projections generated by ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline) are utilized by AreaSearch for SA2 regions, supplemented where necessary by NSW State Government SA2 modeling (released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline). Age-specific trajectory rates derived from these series are applied across all locations for the 2032 to 2041 timeframe. Looking ahead across this window, demographic models point toward a net contraction for the suburb of Valentine, with overall numbers anticipated to drop by 340 persons by 2041. Conversely, select age segments should expand, most notably the 85 and over demographic, which is slated to rise by 87 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
50 new dwellings have been approved in Valentine over the past five years, an average of 10 a year. That is 2.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Statistical evaluations of ABS residential approvals by AreaSearch indicate that Valentine averages roughly 10 approved dwellings per year. Over the previous 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 50 residential dwellings secured permits, including 6 during FY-25 to date. Because construction over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) generated no new residents annually per completed dwelling, building activity is keeping pace with or exceeding local demand, expanding buyer choice and creating potential for demographic expansion beyond baseline forecasts. Concurrently, newly approved homes carry an average construction value of $802,000, underscoring a developer focus on high-end, premium residential projects.
Per-capita residential approvals in Valentine run at roughly half the rate recorded across Rest of NSW, positioning the locality in the 23rd percentile across Australia and restricting fresh housing stock, which bolsters interest across established properties. Sub-average national construction volumes reflect the mature nature of the locality alongside potential planning constraints. Approvals comprise 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% semi-detached dwellings or apartments, preserving suburban character centered on spacious family living. This composition diverges from existing local housing stock (88.0% standalone houses), pointing to reduced greenfield land availability while catering to changing lifestyle demands and affordability pressures. A metric of roughly 639 people per approval highlights a fully established community. With demographic forecasts indicating stable to contracting numbers, housing pressures in Valentine are likely to ease, presenting advantageous market conditions for purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Valentine
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Valentine. A further 34 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $887 million. 7 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Strategic planning, regional development initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades play a crucial role in shaping community outcomes. A single project with expected local significance has been recorded by AreaSearch. Prominent regional works 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 primary relevant works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Bareki Road, Eleebana to Valentine Shared Path
The project aims to identify a route for a safe, easy-to-use shared path facility connecting existing sections of the regional cycleway network between Eleebana and Croudace Bay, addressing a missing link between Eleebana Lions Park and Thomas H. Halton Park as part of the Walking, Cycling and Better Streets Strategy.
Woolworths Belmont North Supermarket Development
Repurposing of the 4.04-hectare former Bunnings site into a modern retail hub. The project features a 3,800sqm full-line Woolworths supermarket and specialty tenancies for food, health, and services. It includes adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse structure, 341 at-grade parking spaces, and Direct to Boot facilities.
364 Pacific Highway Townhouse Development
DA-approved development site sold in February 2025 for the construction of five free-standing three-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom townhouses with high-quality finishes, private outdoor spaces, and north-facing decks in the lakeside suburb of Belmont North. Designed by award-winning architects SHAC.
83 Jonathan Street Residential Subdivision
A boutique residential subdivision of approximately 1.25 hectares into 13 low-density lots in a quiet cul-de-sac in Eleebana, with part of the site designated for environmental conservation. The project includes demolition of existing dwelling and offers family-friendly access to schools, recreation, and Lake Macquarie foreshore. Development approval granted, subdivision works certificate approved, lots currently being sold with settlement upon registration.
Brooks Parade Belmont Mixed Use Development
Approved demolition of existing structures and construction of a mixed-use, multi-storey development across 14 lots at 32-42 Brooks Parade, 2-10 Sharp Street and 5-11 Edgar Street, Belmont. The scheme comprises 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. Two towers directly overlook Lake Macquarie. The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved the development in November 2020, including a clause 4.6 variation for building height, following a lengthy assessment process led by Lake Macquarie City Council.
Lorikeet Ridge Estate
A new residential estate in Belmont North offering house and land packages along the coastline of Lake Macquarie, with access to local amenities, schools, shopping, and recreational facilities. It is 20 minutes from Newcastle and combines coastal lifestyle with suburban convenience.
Calvary St Francis Retirement Community Expansion
Expansion of the Calvary St Francis Retirement Community including a 17-bed extension and the construction of a new Community Centre. The facility is a beautifully maintained residential aged care home offering permanent and respite care in a tranquil bush setting.
Ernest Street Residential Development
A DA-approved four-level residential apartment complex in Belmont, located near Lake Macquarie. The development comprises 27 apartments, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units, with a rooftop garden and outdoor dining area. The DA-approved site is currently for sale, as the original owner has had a change in circumstances.
3,069 residents of Valentine are employed, from a labour force of 3,108. Unemployment sits at 1.3%, with participation at 65.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,502, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Valentine is characterized by strong educational credentials, solid representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of only 1.3%, based on statistical aggregations by AreaSearch. Employed persons numbered 3,069 as of March 2026, while the local jobless rate sits 2.8% below the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW. Labour force participation remains typical at 65.6% (compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW). Furthermore, 32.2% of residents reported working from home during the Census, a figure likely influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local residents consist of health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
Professional & technical services is an area of distinct local specialization, holding an employment concentration 1.5 times the regional norm. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing represents just 0.4% of local workers, compared with 5.3% across Regional NSW. Comparing resident worker counts with local workplace numbers suggests resident employment opportunities within the immediate area remain limited. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, which were aggregated from broader statistical areas, the labour force shrank by 0.4% during the year to March 2026, while employment fell by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW saw a 0.9% decline in employment alongside a 0.4% drop in the labour force, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 provide additional context regarding potential future demand in Valentine. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary considerably across different industry sectors. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Valentine's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though it is important to note that this represents a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Valentine is $2,159 a week (about $112,000 a year), with median personal income at $904 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,034 a year against an average of $72,487. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode figures for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch show Valentine recording personal earnings above Australian benchmarks, featuring a median income of $54,034 alongside a $72,487 average. These figures compare favorably against Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Accounting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates indicate updated levels of approximately $59,610 for median income and $79,968 for average income. Census data from 2021 places overall family, household, and individual earnings in Valentine near the national 71st percentile.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 29.9% of residents (1,724 individuals), matching the 29.9% share seen across the broader region. Additionally, 34.0% of earners receive more than $3,000/week, confirming strong local affluence. Residents keep 88.6% of income after servicing housing commitments, supporting high purchasing capacity and placing the area in the 7th decile of SEIFA income rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Valentine had 2,086 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 1% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 49% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $490 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,096 a month. Rent absorbs 22.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the most recent Census, the local housing mix in Valentine consisted of 88.0% separate houses and 12.0% alternative dwellings (comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other configurations), versus 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings throughout Regional NSW. Outright home ownership reached 49.2%, substantially exceeding regional benchmarks, with the balance made up of mortgaged properties (39.5%) and rental housing (11.3%). Typical housing costs are elevated: median monthly mortgage payments reached $2,096 compared to $1,733 regionally, while median weekly rent stood at $490 compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage obligations in Valentine exceed the $1,863 Australian median, and rents significantly surpass the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Valentine counted 2,086 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 81.2% of dwellings in the area, encompassing couples with children (37.4%), couples without children (32.8%), and single parent families (10.1%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.8%, consisting of lone person households (17.9%) and group households (1.1%). The median household size of 2.7 people exceeds the Regional NSW standard of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
29.4% of adults in Valentine hold a university qualification, including 20.1% with a bachelor degree and 6.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 82% of areas nationally. A further 26.8% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 527 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,079 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Valentine displays an elevated educational attainment rate relative to the wider region, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ possessing university credentials, surpassing the Rest of NSW benchmark of 21.3% and the SA3 rate of 23.5%. Attainment is anchored by bachelor degrees at 20.1%, accompanied by postgraduate qualifications at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Technical and vocational training is likewise widespread, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between certificates (26.8%) and advanced diplomas (13.2%). Participation in formal learning is prominent, involving 28.3% of the resident population.
This cohort comprises 10.2% attending primary school, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% enrolled in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Valentine reaches 77 stops on 24 routes, timetabled for about 360 services a week. The typical home sits about 130 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Valentine features 77 operational stops supporting local bus routes. These facilities are served by 24 separate routes that generate 358 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with typical walking distances of 128 meters to the closest stop. Outward travel dominates commuting behavior in this predominantly residential community, with private vehicles accounting for 96% of journeys. Average vehicle ownership sits at 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding regional norms, while 32.2% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census during COVID-19 conditions. Transit schedules provide an average of 51 daily trips across the combined network, translating to approximately 4 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.3% of residents in Valentine report no long-term health condition. 4.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluations by AreaSearch regarding mortality and illness indicators show favorable health metrics across Valentine, characterized by low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is notably strong, held by roughly 56% of the population (~3,206 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Arthritis and asthma represent the most widespread chronic conditions locally, affecting 9.5 and 8.0% of the community respectively, while 66.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, higher than the 63.3% rate across Regional NSW. Health metrics among residents under 65 are better than average.
Residents aged 65 and over total 1,390 people (24.1% of the population), with health indicators among older residents ranking above average and aligning with national population standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Valentine is largely Australian-born, at 88.7% of residents, with 4.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.5%) and Australian (29.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Valentine tracks below national averages, with Australian-born residents making up 88.7% of the locality, 94.9% holding citizenship, and 95.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 53.2% of the local population. Judaism shows a notable local presence relative to wider benchmarks, representing 0.2% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplace, the leading heritages in Valentine are English (34.5%), Australian (29.8%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notable concentrations of other ancestries also appear above regional norms, including Welsh at 1.0% (versus 0.5% regionally), Polish at 0.8% (versus 0.5%), and South Australian at 0.6% (versus 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Valentine is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 19.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in the suburb of Valentine aligns broadly with Regional NSW, with the largest cohort discrepancy standing at 6.2 percentage points. The estimated median age remains at 46, unchanged from the 2021 Census, which sits 3 years above the Regional NSW median of 43 and above the national median of 38 recorded at that Census. Since that time, the 25 - 44 cohort has reduced from 18.3% to an estimated 17.3%. Looking forward to 2041, the largest numerical gain is anticipated among young to middle aged adults, projected to add 19 residents (2%) to reach 1,017.
Over the same forecast horizon, numbers for children, young adults, middle-aged cohorts, and early retirees are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Valentine
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,773 at the 2021 Census → 5,769 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL14083). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.