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 Warabrook is $970k, with units at $740k. House values have moved 4.2% 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
Warabrook has an estimated 2,005 residents. That puts 1,337 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 regional ABS updates alongside post-Census address validations, the suburb of Warabrook has an estimated population of approximately 2,005 as of Aug 2026. This represents a gain of 23 people (1.2%) compared to the 1,982 people recorded in the 2021 Census. Such growth builds upon an estimated resident population of 1,999 derived from the ABS ERP release of June 2025, combined with 11 validated new addresses confirmed after the Census date. Consequently, the suburb of Warabrook registers a population density of 1,336 persons per square kilometer, positioning it above the typical benchmark across nationwide locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
Inbound international migration served as the primary and almost exclusive catalyst for population expansion in recent times. Projections compiled by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, form the primary foundation for AreaSearch's SA2 modelling, supplemented where necessary by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 figures based on 2021. Cohort-specific growth rates derived from these datasets are projected forward across all localities for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic outlooks, the suburb of Warabrook is anticipated to track slightly under the national non-metropolitan median, expanding by 191 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2 models and generating an overall rise of 9.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Warabrook remains exceptionally quiet, registering under 1 residential approval per year, representing 1 approval over five years. This subdued pace aligns with trends seen in non-urban localities where housing demand is limited and construction is constrained by infrastructure capacity and local requirements. Because of this small baseline, isolated building approvals can create noticeable swings in annual rates and comparative metrics. Compared with Rest of NSW, Warabrook records a substantially smaller volume of property development. Overall building activity similarly falls behind countrywide figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Warabrook
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 21 current infrastructure and development projects close to Warabrook, worth an estimated $2.82 billion. 6 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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
Local infrastructure investment and strategic town planning represent key drivers of future growth and performance. AreaSearch has pinpointed 3 projects expected to influence the surrounding district, with noteworthy developments including Callaghan Campus Heart, Newcastle Port Logistics Hub, Mayfield Concept Plan, and Boatman Creek Flood Improvements.
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
Shortland Waters Retirement Village
A master-planned retirement community set on the Shortland Waters Golf Course featuring modern villas and comprehensive amenities including a community centre, gym, hair salon, and library. Stages 4 and 5 comprise 167 independent living units valued at $110 million, currently in construction and delivery phases. The complete development aims to provide 300 dwellings for a low-maintenance lifestyle for retirees in the Hunter region.
Newcastle Port Logistics Hub
A major distribution hub on a 14.3-hectare site at 71 Industrial Drive, Mayfield. The project provides purpose-built facilities for logistics, manufacturing, and agribusiness with tailored Design and Construct options up to 50,000sqm. As of early 2026, the site is active with leasing opportunities for warehouse and hardstand space, while supporting the broader Port of Newcastle diversification into renewable energy equipment storage.
Mayfield Concept Plan
Development of a 90-hectare port-side site for diversified trade and renewable energy logistics. Key active works include a $36 million waterside berth extension at the Multipurpose Terminal to accommodate vessels up to 300 metres, awarded to Brady Marine and Civil in April 2026. This complements previous investments in heavy-lift cranes for wind turbine and battery components. Simultaneously, EnergyCo is progressing the adjacent Newcastle Logistics Precinct on the former Intertrade site to provide storage for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, with procurement for hardstand and infrastructure ongoing through 2026.
9 Gothic Street Student Accommodation
DA approved three-storey Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development with 53 self-contained studio units, 12 car spaces, expansive indoor and outdoor communal areas, and a rooftop garden. It is strategically located adjacent to the University of Newcastle's Callaghan Campus. The DA-approved site is currently for sale via Expression of Interest, indicating the project is currently on hold or transitioning to a new developer. Expected end value over $17.5 million upon completion.
Former Waratah Gasworks Remediation
A $25 million NSW Government project to remediate contaminated residential land at the former Waratah Gasworks site, which operated from 1889 to 1926. Works cover 13 properties on Ellis and Turton Roads, involving demolition, excavation, and removal of over 20,000 tonnes of contaminated material including a 56-metre underground gasholder, tar wells, and purifier beds containing cyanide, lead, and benzo(a)pyrene. Eleven lots have been remediated; seven properties are being rebuilt by the government, four will be sold as remediated vacant land, and two remain under remediation.Home construction commenced July 2025 and is expected to be complete by mid-2026.
Newcastle Inner City Bypass - Rankin Park to Jesmond
The 3.4 km Rankin Park to Jesmond section is the fifth and final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Construction has reached a major milestone with the bypass alignment fully connected and all major bridges completed. Remaining works include final road surfacing, northern interchange ramps, traffic systems, shared user paths and landscaping before opening. The project will remove up to 30000 vehicles per day from surrounding local roads, improve access to John Hunter Hospital, reduce travel times and enhance pedestrian and cyclist connections.
Lambton Park Master Plan
A comprehensive master plan approved by Newcastle Council to guide the future development of Lambton Park. The plan focuses on enhancing facilities, community engagement, heritage preservation, and recreational opportunities while maintaining the park as an open green space. Key developments include Lambton Pool upgrades, heritage rotunda preservation, improved accessibility, tennis courts, bowling club facilities, childrens playgrounds, walking tracks, and the transformation of the former Baby Health Centre into a modern cafe.
Waratah Park Masterplan
City of Newcastle's 10-year masterplan for Waratah Park to improve sporting and recreation facilities. The endorsed plan includes upgraded rugby, cricket and oztag fields, LED sports lighting, irrigation and drainage improvements, new amenities, accessible parking, shared pathways, fitness stations, a multi-sport court and playground improvements. Implementation is staged over approximately 10 years, with Stage 1 works progressing as funding is allocated through Council budgets.
1,033 residents of Warabrook are employed, from a labour force of 1,084. Unemployment sits at 4.7%, with participation at 63.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,352, about 117% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Warabrook features an educated talent pool with strong participation across key service sectors, alongside a local jobless rate of 4.7% per AreaSearch's aggregated statistical boundaries. As of March 2026, 1,033 residents are employed, with unemployment tracking 0.6% above the 4.1% recorded across Regional NSW, while labour force participation stands at 63.8% relative to 60.6% for Regional NSW. In addition, Census records show that 23.6% of workers operated remotely from home, a figure potentially shaped by prevailing Covid-19 restrictions. Major sources of resident employment include health care & social assistance, retail trade, as well as education & training.
Health care & social assistance represents a notable regional specialization, capturing an employment proportion 1.4 times that of the surrounding region. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for merely 0.3% of local workers, markedly below the 5.3% observed across Regional NSW. A local balance of 0.9 workers per resident at Census time highlights a solid surrounding employment foundation. AreaSearch's compilation of broader statistical data from SALM and ABS sources indicates that throughout the 12 months to March 2026, the local workforce decreased by 0.4% alongside a 2.0% contraction in total jobs, pushing unemployment up by 1.6 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW witnessed a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% reduction in the workforce, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term outlooks can be gauged through Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 national employment projections, which span five-year and ten-year horizons against the local industry profile. While total Australian employment is anticipated to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sector trajectories vary widely; applying these national industry weights to the local workforce suggests an employment expansion in Warabrook of 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this weighted calculation is illustrative and excludes localized population dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Warabrook is $1,634 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $747 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,232 a year against an average of $57,736. 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 data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the suburb of Warabrook recorded a median income of $49,232 and an average of $57,736, sitting below nationwide benchmarks as well as Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Incorporating a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 adjusts current benchmark estimates to roughly $54,313 for median earnings and $63,694 for average earnings as of March 2026. Across household, family, and individual brackets, Census measures position local incomes between the 38th and 43rd percentiles.
The primary income band is $1,500 - 2,999, which encompasses 33.8% of residents (677 people), closely aligning with the wider area benchmark of 29.9%. Residents retain 85.2% of their income after meeting housing obligations, while the suburb ranks in the 5th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Warabrook had 734 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 70% detached houses and 4% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $375 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,790 a month. Rent absorbs 22.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 69.5% separate houses and 30.5% alternative dwelling types including semi-detached residences and apartments, contrasting with Regional NSW where houses accounted for 82.6% and other formats comprised 17.4%. Outright property ownership reached 38.5%, mirroring regional figures, while properties carrying a mortgage represented 28.2% and rental accommodation made up 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment stood at $1,790, exceeding the Regional NSW figure of $1,733, while median weekly rent was $375 compared to $330 regionally. On a national scale, local mortgage commitments remain below Australia's $1,863 benchmark, whereas median rent aligns directly with the national standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Warabrook counted 734 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units account for 67.8% of households in the area, encompassing couples with children at 26.4%, couples without children at 27.4%, and single parent households at 12.4%. Meanwhile, non-family living arrangements comprise 32.2% of total residences, consisting of single-person households (27.0%) and group dwellings (4.9%). The area's median household occupancy of 2.4 people equals the wider Regional NSW norm.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
27.6% of adults in Warabrook hold a university qualification, including 18.1% with a bachelor degree and 7.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 79% of areas nationally. A further 21.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Higher learning outcomes are a distinct regional highlight, with 27.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing university credentials, surpassing the Rest of NSW benchmark of 21.3%. Primary qualifications include bachelor degrees at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational qualifications are likewise prevalent, with 32.7% of residents aged 15+ holding technical certifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificate-level awards (21.6%). A significant 25.5% of the local population is actively pursuing formal education. Within this cohort, 7.4% are undertaking higher education, 6.8% attend primary school, and 6.4% are enrolled in secondary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Warabrook reaches 20 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 4,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Trains carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 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 within Warabrook features 20 active transport stops spanning bus and rail services. Across these points of access, 16 individual routes operate to deliver 4,218 weekly passenger trips. Network connectivity is rated as excellent, with typical walking distances to the nearest boarding point averaging 157 meters. Given the residential makeup of the area, external commuting is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 94% of transit journeys. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 per dwelling, trailing regional figures, while 23.6% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census under potential COVID-19 influences.
Transit schedules across all servicing routes provide an average of 602 trips per day, which translates to approximately 210 weekly departures from each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.4% of residents in Warabrook report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 80% of areas nationally. 14.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mortality and chronic disease evaluations by AreaSearch indicate notable healthcare challenges in Warabrook, driven by elevated rates of standard conditions that become more pronounced in older demographics, alongside a private health insurance rate of approximately 50% (~998 people). This level of private coverage sits below the Regional NSW proportion of 51.9% and the Australian benchmark of 55.7%. The leading diagnosed conditions across the community are mental health disorders and arthritis, affecting 10.6 and 9.3% of the populace respectively, whereas 61.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Working-age cohorts exhibit higher than average rates of ongoing ailments. Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over constitute 22.6% of the population (453 people), experiencing specific health challenges that nonetheless compare favourably against nationwide senior averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Warabrook is largely Australian-born, at 78.3% of residents, with 19.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (28.5%) and English (25.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Warabrook tracks above typical regional levels, with 21.7% of the community born abroad and 19.6% using a language other than English in their households. Christianity forms the dominant religious affiliation, representing 59.1% of the population in Warabrook, higher than the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW. Examining parental heritage, the most widespread ancestries in Warabrook are Australian at 28.5%, English at 25.1% (falling below the regional mark of 30.5%), and Scottish at 7.8%. Other cultural backgrounds show distinctive local concentrations, including Macedonian at 1.6% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.1% (versus 0.1%), and Samoan at 0.7% (versus 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Warabrook is 44, older than 80% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 27.3% 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
Warabrook exhibits a younger demographic profile relative to Regional NSW. As of August 2026, adults aged 25 - 44 represent 28.6% of the population, exceeding the 23.5% regional share, whereas residents aged 0 - 24 comprise 27.0% compared to 29.3% across the wider region. The suburb's median age is estimated at 44, shifting down from 45 at the 2021 Census, positioning it 1 year above the Regional NSW Census median of 43 and above the national Census median of 38. The most prominent shift since the Census has occurred in the 25 - 44 cohort, rising from 23.8% to an estimated 28.6%.
Furthermore, projections to 2041 indicate this young to middle-aged group will see the largest expansion, adding 110 residents (19%) to reach 683, while cohorts of mature adults and early retirees are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Warabrook
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 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 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago 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 2 months ago 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 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| 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 — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,982 at the 2021 Census → 2,005 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 (SAL14158). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.