Newcastle vs Lake Macquarie

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are nearby areas with very different layouts. Newcastle is very walkable, with 81.2% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries and 76% near health services. Lake Macquarie is only somewhat walkable, with much lower access to these needs, including 45.1% for groceries and 33.4% for health services. Newcastle also has far higher street connectivity and better access to schools and general amenities.

These areas share similar outcomes for First Nations residents, with a typical household income of $1,754 and unemployment rates around 9%. While First Nations residents in Newcastle are noticeably older with a typical age of 25 compared to 22 in Lake Macquarie, the gap in Year 12 completion is widening, with Newcastle now well higher at 43.6% against Lake Macquarie's 36.2%.