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Lake Macquarie vs Port Stephens

Council (LGA) comparison ≈ 45 km apart · Lake Macquarie profile · Port Stephens profile

Lake Macquarie Port Stephens

Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens are nearby New South Wales areas with different urban layouts and workforces. Lake Macquarie is more developed, with far more businesses and a higher share of professionals. It has better access to services, with 67.1% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a school and a higher education and job skills score of 7 compared to 4 in Port Stephens. Port Stephens is more residential, with a higher share of people who have served in the Defence Force (6.8%) and more homes owned outright (41.2%).

The gap in the typical age of residents has widened since 2011, with Port Stephens now noticeably older at 47 compared to 42 in Lake Macquarie. Despite this, they share several common traits, such as similar shares of children under 15 and a nearly identical percentage of people needing help with daily activities (7.2%). Both areas also have a similar proportion of First Nations people, each sitting between 5.5% and 6.5% of the population.

Where they differ most

Demographics & Identity

Population in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +138,569 larger in Lake Macquarie gap widening
213,845 87th pct 75,276 80th pct
  • First area, 2011: 189,006
  • First area, 2016: 197,371
  • First area, 2021: 213,845
  • Second area, 2011: 64,807
  • Second area, 2016: 69,556
  • Second area, 2021: 75,276
Median age in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5 yrs older in Port Stephens gap widening
42 yrs 50th pct 47 yrs 75th pct
  • First area, 2011: 41 yrs
  • First area, 2016: 42 yrs
  • First area, 2021: 42 yrs
  • Second area, 2011: 42 yrs
  • Second area, 2016: 45 yrs
  • Second area, 2021: 47 yrs
First Nations in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.0 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
5.5% 60th pct 6.5% 65th pct
  • First area, 2011: 3.0%
  • First area, 2016: 4.1%
  • First area, 2021: 5.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 3.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 4.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 6.5%
Aged 65+ in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.9 pts higher in Port Stephens gap widening
22.0% 63rd pct 25.9% 80th pct
  • First area, 2011: 18.4%
  • First area, 2016: 20.6%
  • First area, 2021: 22.0%
  • Second area, 2011: 19.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 22.9%
  • Second area, 2021: 25.9%
Under 15 in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.0 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
18.1% 57th pct 17.1% 43rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 18.6%
  • First area, 2016: 18.3%
  • First area, 2021: 18.1%
  • Second area, 2011: 19.5%
  • Second area, 2016: 18.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 17.1%
De facto in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.0 pts higher in Port Stephens gap narrowing
11.5% 28th pct 11.6% 28th pct
  • First area, 2011: 8.5%
  • First area, 2016: 10.0%
  • First area, 2021: 11.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 9.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 10.5%
  • Second area, 2021: 11.6%

Age structure

25.3% Older adults (45–64) +1.3 pts ▸ 26.6%
22.0% Seniors (65+) +3.9 pts ▸ 25.9%
23.4% Young adults (25–44) ◂ +3.5 pts 19.8%
18.1% Children (0–14) ◂ +1.0 pts 17.1%
11.2% Youth (15–24) ◂ +0.7 pts 10.5%

Marital status

47.7% Married +1.2 pts ▸ 48.9%
32.5% Never married ◂ +2.7 pts 29.9%
9.9% Divorced +1.1 pts ▸ 11.0%
6.5% Widowed even 6.5%
3.3% Separated +0.3 pts ▸ 3.7%

Age & sex structure

Lake Macquarie Port Stephens

Bars show the share of each area's own population, so differently sized areas stay comparable.

  • 85+ in Lake Macquarie: 1.1% males, 1.8% females; 85+ in Port Stephens: 1.0% males, 1.5% females
  • 80–84 in Lake Macquarie: 1.3% males, 1.6% females; 80–84 in Port Stephens: 1.6% males, 1.6% females
  • 75–79 in Lake Macquarie: 2.1% males, 2.3% females; 75–79 in Port Stephens: 2.7% males, 2.8% females
  • 70–74 in Lake Macquarie: 2.7% males, 3.0% females; 70–74 in Port Stephens: 3.6% males, 3.7% females
  • 65–69 in Lake Macquarie: 2.9% males, 3.2% females; 65–69 in Port Stephens: 3.5% males, 3.9% females
  • 60–64 in Lake Macquarie: 3.1% males, 3.4% females; 60–64 in Port Stephens: 3.6% males, 3.8% females
  • 55–59 in Lake Macquarie: 3.0% males, 3.3% females; 55–59 in Port Stephens: 3.4% males, 3.5% females
  • 50–54 in Lake Macquarie: 3.1% males, 3.1% females; 50–54 in Port Stephens: 3.0% males, 3.2% females
  • 45–49 in Lake Macquarie: 3.0% males, 3.2% females; 45–49 in Port Stephens: 3.0% males, 3.2% females
  • 40–44 in Lake Macquarie: 2.8% males, 3.0% females; 40–44 in Port Stephens: 2.5% males, 2.7% females
  • 35–39 in Lake Macquarie: 3.0% males, 3.2% females; 35–39 in Port Stephens: 2.6% males, 2.7% females
  • 30–34 in Lake Macquarie: 2.8% males, 3.1% females; 30–34 in Port Stephens: 2.4% males, 2.5% females
  • 25–29 in Lake Macquarie: 2.7% males, 2.7% females; 25–29 in Port Stephens: 2.2% males, 2.2% females
  • 20–24 in Lake Macquarie: 2.8% males, 2.6% females; 20–24 in Port Stephens: 2.5% males, 2.3% females
  • 15–19 in Lake Macquarie: 3.0% males, 2.8% females; 15–19 in Port Stephens: 3.0% males, 2.7% females
  • 10–14 in Lake Macquarie: 3.2% males, 3.0% females; 10–14 in Port Stephens: 3.3% males, 3.1% females
  • 5–9 in Lake Macquarie: 3.2% males, 3.0% females; 5–9 in Port Stephens: 3.0% males, 2.8% females
  • 0–4 in Lake Macquarie: 2.9% males, 2.7% females; 0–4 in Port Stephens: 2.4% males, 2.4% females

Ancestry & Birthplace

Born overseas in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.2 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
10.8% 41st pct 12.0% 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: 9.7%
  • First area, 2016: 10.0%
  • First area, 2021: 10.8%
  • Second area, 2011: 11.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 11.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 12.0%

Country of birth

85.5% Australia ◂ +2.6 pts 82.9%
2.5% England +1.4 pts ▸ 4.0%
1.2% New Zealand +0.1 pts ▸ 1.3%
0.5% India ◂ +0.3 pts 0.2%
0.5% South Africa even 0.5%
0.4% Philippines even 0.4%
0.3% China ◂ +0.1 pts 0.2%
0.2% Italy even 0.2%
0.1% Nepal even 0.1%
0.1% Vietnam even 0.1%

Ancestry

43.9% English +0.6 pts ▸ 44.5%
42.7% Australian ◂ +1.1 pts 41.5%
11.8% Scottish ◂ +0.7 pts 11.1%
10.9% Irish +0.5 pts ▸ 11.3%
4.2% German +0.1 pts ▸ 4.3%
2.2% Italian ◂ +0.2 pts 2.0%
1.4% Dutch +0.1 pts ▸ 1.6%
1.1% Chinese ◂ +0.4 pts 0.7%
0.7% Indian ◂ +0.4 pts 0.3%
0.7% Filipino even 0.6%
0.6% Greek even 0.6%
0.2% Vietnamese even 0.1%

Language

Other language in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
5.3% 46th pct 4.0% 34th pct
  • First area, 2011: 3.8%
  • First area, 2016: 4.4%
  • First area, 2021: 5.3%
  • Second area, 2011: 2.9%
  • Second area, 2016: 3.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 4.0%
Limited English in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
0.6% 50th pct 0.4% 41st pct
  • First area, 2016: 0.5%
  • First area, 2021: 0.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 0.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 0.4%

Language used at home

90.9% English only even 90.8%
0.3% Mandarin ◂ +0.1 pts 0.2%
0.2% Italian even 0.2%
0.2% Greek even 0.2%
0.2% Cantonese ◂ +0.1 pts 0.1%
0.1% Tagalog even 0.2%
0.1% Arabic ◂ +0.1 pts 0.1%
0.1% Hindi ◂ +0.1 pts 0.1%
0.1% Punjabi ◂ +0.1 pts 0.1%
0.1% Vietnamese even 0.1%

Religion

No religion in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.4 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
42.5% 56th pct 39.1% 40th pct
  • First area, 2011: 19.7%
  • First area, 2016: 29.4%
  • First area, 2021: 42.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 18.7%
  • Second area, 2016: 26.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 39.1%

Religious affiliation

50.0% Christianity +3.0 pts ▸ 52.9%
42.5% No religion ◂ +3.4 pts 39.1%
5.4% Not stated +0.9 pts ▸ 6.3%
0.7% Buddhism even 0.7%
0.6% Hinduism ◂ +0.2 pts 0.3%
0.4% Islam ◂ +0.1 pts 0.3%
0.4% Other religions ◂ +0.1 pts 0.3%
0.1% Judaism even 0.1%

Education & Qualifications

Year 12 in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
45.2% 61st pct 40.1% 44th pct
  • First area, 2011: 35.4%
  • First area, 2016: 39.8%
  • First area, 2021: 45.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 32.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 35.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 40.1%
Bachelor+ in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5.3 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
19.0% 73rd pct 13.7% 56th pct
  • First area, 2011: 13.0%
  • First area, 2016: 15.6%
  • First area, 2021: 19.0%
  • Second area, 2011: 9.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 11.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 13.7%
Schools in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +63 more in Lake Macquarie
90 88th pct 27 78th pct
Schools/1k kids in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.23 more in Lake Macquarie
2.32 28th pct 2.09 23rd pct
Students in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +20,714 more in Lake Macquarie
30,326 87th pct 9,612 76th pct
Avg size in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +19 larger in Port Stephens
337 65th pct 356 68th pct
ICSEA in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +37 higher in Lake Macquarie
1,007 71st pct 970 49th pct

Highest year of school

45.2% Year 12 ◂ +5.2 pts 40.1%
31.3% Year 10 +1.8 pts ▸ 33.1%
11.8% Year 9 or below +1.0 pts ▸ 12.8%
6.6% Year 11 +0.8 pts ▸ 7.3%

Highest qualification level

36.4% Certificate III / IV +3.2 pts ▸ 39.6%
21.3% Bachelor degree ◂ +5.4 pts 16.0%
15.5% Advanced diploma / diploma +0.7 pts ▸ 16.1%
6.1% Postgraduate degree ◂ +1.8 pts 4.3%
3.1% Graduate diploma / certificate ◂ +0.4 pts 2.7%
2.3% Certificate I / II +0.4 pts ▸ 2.6%

Field of qualification

18.2% Engineering & related +1.3 pts ▸ 19.5%
18.1% Management & commerce ◂ +0.4 pts 17.7%
12.0% Health ◂ +2.1 pts 9.9%
11.0% Society & culture ◂ +0.7 pts 10.2%
9.4% Education ◂ +1.5 pts 7.9%
6.9% Architecture & building ◂ +0.5 pts 6.4%
5.0% Food, hospitality & personal services +1.1 pts ▸ 6.1%
2.8% Creative arts ◂ +0.4 pts 2.3%
2.2% Natural & physical sciences ◂ +0.3 pts 1.9%
1.6% Agriculture & environment +0.5 pts ▸ 2.1%
1.7% Information technology ◂ +0.3 pts 1.4%

Income

Personal income in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$88 higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
$759 54th pct $671 32nd pct
  • First area, 2011: $520
  • First area, 2016: $609
  • First area, 2021: $759
  • Second area, 2011: $498
  • Second area, 2016: $571
  • Second area, 2021: $671
Household income in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$251 higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
$1,623 67th pct $1,372 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: $1,117
  • First area, 2016: $1,313
  • First area, 2021: $1,623
  • Second area, 2011: $999
  • Second area, 2016: $1,180
  • Second area, 2021: $1,372
Family income in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$336 higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
$2,050 71st pct $1,714 44th pct
  • First area, 2011: $1,396
  • First area, 2016: $1,610
  • First area, 2021: $2,050
  • Second area, 2011: $1,246
  • Second area, 2016: $1,431
  • Second area, 2021: $1,714
High earners in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +2.5 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
10.7% 65th pct 8.2% 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: 5.0%
  • First area, 2016: 6.5%
  • First area, 2021: 10.7%
  • Second area, 2011: 3.7%
  • Second area, 2016: 5.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 8.2%
High-income homes in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5.4 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
20.4% 73rd pct 15.0% 55th pct
  • First area, 2011: 8.5%
  • First area, 2016: 11.8%
  • First area, 2021: 20.4%
  • Second area, 2011: 5.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 8.9%
  • Second area, 2021: 15.0%

Household income distribution

27.2% $650–$1,499 +4.7 pts ▸ 31.9%
29.0% $1,500–$2,999 ◂ +1.9 pts 27.1%
17.0% Under $650 +1.5 pts ▸ 18.5%
10.7% $3,000–$3,999 ◂ +2.6 pts 8.1%
9.7% $4,000 or more ◂ +2.8 pts 6.9%

Personal income distribution

41.6% Under $650 +3.9 pts ▸ 45.5%
32.0% $650–$1,499 ◂ +1.0 pts 31.0%
17.3% $1,500–$2,999 ◂ +3.0 pts 14.3%
3.5% $3,000 or more ◂ +0.9 pts 2.5%

Health & Disability

Health condition in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.3 pts higher in Port Stephens
35.6% 88th pct 36.8% 92nd pct
Mental health in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.4 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
12.0% 92nd pct 11.6% 90th pct
Needs assistance in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens even gap steady
7.2% 81st pct 7.2% 81st pct
  • First area, 2011: 6.1%
  • First area, 2016: 6.6%
  • First area, 2021: 7.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 5.5%
  • Second area, 2016: 6.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 7.2%

Long-term health conditions reported

11.9% Arthritis +1.7 pts ▸ 13.6%
12.0% Mental health ◂ +0.4 pts 11.6%
10.2% Asthma ◂ +0.5 pts 9.7%
9.3% Other condition ◂ +0.1 pts 9.2%
5.6% Diabetes +0.6 pts ▸ 6.2%
5.5% Heart disease +0.4 pts ▸ 5.9%
3.8% Cancer +0.5 pts ▸ 4.3%
2.5% Lung condition +0.3 pts ▸ 2.8%
1.3% Stroke even 1.3%
1.1% Dementia ◂ +0.3 pts 0.9%

Number of long-term health conditions

57.4% None ◂ +2.4 pts 55.0%
23.0% One condition +0.3 pts ▸ 23.3%
8.0% Two conditions +0.7 pts ▸ 8.8%
4.6% Three or more +0.2 pts ▸ 4.8%

Community Participation

Volunteering in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.7 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
13.2% 23rd pct 13.9% 26th pct
  • First area, 2011: 16.0%
  • First area, 2016: 18.0%
  • First area, 2021: 13.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 16.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 17.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 13.9%
Unpaid carers in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.3 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
14.0% 83rd pct 13.7% 78th pct
  • First area, 2011: 13.2%
  • First area, 2016: 13.6%
  • First area, 2021: 14.0%
  • Second area, 2011: 12.2%
  • Second area, 2016: 12.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 13.7%
Unpaid child care in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.9 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
29.0% 81st pct 25.0% 52nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 30.4%
  • First area, 2016: 30.9%
  • First area, 2021: 29.0%
  • Second area, 2011: 28.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 27.3%
  • Second area, 2021: 25.0%
Defence service in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.4 pts higher in Port Stephens
3.3% 62nd pct 6.8% 100th pct
Housework 15h+ in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.6 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
23.5% 64th pct 24.0% 69th pct
  • First area, 2011: 25.4%
  • First area, 2016: 24.3%
  • First area, 2021: 23.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 27.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 25.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 24.0%

First Nations

First Nations people in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +6,874 larger in Lake Macquarie
11,759 92nd pct 4,885 87th pct
22 yrs 21st pct 22 yrs 21st pct
Year 12 in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.5 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
36.1% 59th pct 32.6% 48th pct
Unemployment in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.1 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
9.5% 36th pct 9.4% 36th pct
Median income in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$28 higher in Lake Macquarie
$610 65th pct $582 58th pct
Household income in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$145 higher in Lake Macquarie
$1,761 78th pct $1,616 70th pct
Indigenous language in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.6 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
3.4% 34th pct 2.8% 28th pct

Family & Households

Household size in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.1 larger in Lake Macquarie gap widening
2.5 71st pct 2.4 43rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 2.5
  • First area, 2016: 2.5
  • First area, 2021: 2.5
  • Second area, 2011: 2.5
  • Second area, 2016: 2.5
  • Second area, 2021: 2.4
One-parent in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens even gap steady
15.7% 68th pct 15.7% 67th pct
  • First area, 2011: 15.7%
  • First area, 2016: 15.7%
  • First area, 2021: 15.7%
  • Second area, 2011: 15.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 15.3%
  • Second area, 2021: 15.7%
Living alone in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.2 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
24.8% 25th pct 26.0% 30th pct
  • First area, 2011: 23.9%
  • First area, 2016: 24.1%
  • First area, 2021: 24.8%
  • Second area, 2011: 24.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 25.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 26.0%

Family composition

54.9% Couples with children ◂ +4.7 pts 50.2%
28.4% Couples without children +4.9 pts ▸ 33.3%
15.7% One-parent families ◂ +0.1 pts 15.7%
0.9% Other families ◂ +0.1 pts 0.8%

Household size

35.4% 2 people +3.5 pts ▸ 38.9%
24.8% 1 person +1.2 pts ▸ 26.0%
15.5% 4 people ◂ +2.9 pts 12.6%
15.5% 3 people ◂ +2.0 pts 13.5%
6.1% 5 people ◂ +0.3 pts 5.8%
2.6% 6 or more +0.5 pts ▸ 3.1%

Housing & Dwellings

Rent in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$5 higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
$375 82nd pct $370 81st pct
  • First area, 2011: $255
  • First area, 2016: $320
  • First area, 2021: $375
  • Second area, 2011: $250
  • Second area, 2016: $305
  • Second area, 2021: $370
Mortgage in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +$217 higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
$1,950 80th pct $1,733 71st pct
  • First area, 2011: $1,733
  • First area, 2016: $1,733
  • First area, 2021: $1,950
  • Second area, 2011: $1,725
  • Second area, 2016: $1,733
  • Second area, 2021: $1,733
People / bedroom in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.10 higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
0.80 43rd pct 0.70 0th pct
  • First area, 2011: 1.10
  • First area, 2016: 0.80
  • First area, 2021: 0.80
  • Second area, 2011: 1.10
  • Second area, 2016: 0.80
  • Second area, 2021: 0.70
Renting in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.6 pts higher in Port Stephens gap narrowing
23.2% 40th pct 24.8% 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: 23.0%
  • First area, 2016: 23.0%
  • First area, 2021: 23.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 27.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 26.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 24.8%
Owned outright in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +4.1 pts higher in Port Stephens gap widening
37.1% 48th pct 41.2% 62nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 38.3%
  • First area, 2016: 37.7%
  • First area, 2021: 37.1%
  • Second area, 2011: 37.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 38.6%
  • Second area, 2021: 41.2%
Separate houses in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +4.3 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
85.2% 37th pct 80.9% 28th pct
  • First area, 2011: 86.4%
  • First area, 2016: 85.4%
  • First area, 2021: 85.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 82.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 79.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 80.9%
3+ bedrooms in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.7 pts higher in Port Stephens gap narrowing
78.8% 60th pct 79.4% 65th pct
  • First area, 2011: 76.7%
  • First area, 2016: 77.6%
  • First area, 2021: 78.8%
  • Second area, 2011: 79.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 79.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 79.4%

How homes are owned or rented

37.1% Owned outright +4.1 pts ▸ 41.2%
36.3% Owned with a mortgage ◂ +5.8 pts 30.6%
23.2% Rented +1.6 pts ▸ 24.8%
2.1% Other tenure ◂ +0.1 pts 2.0%
1.2% Not stated +0.1 pts ▸ 1.4%

Types of homes

85.2% Separate house ◂ +4.3 pts 80.9%
9.7% Townhouse / semi-detached +3.9 pts ▸ 13.5%
4.4% Flat or apartment ◂ +0.9 pts 3.6%
0.5% Other dwelling +1.1 pts ▸ 1.6%

Bedrooms per home

41.5% 3 bedrooms ◂ +3.0 pts 38.5%
30.0% 4 bedrooms +3.2 pts ▸ 33.2%
16.3% 2 bedrooms ◂ +0.3 pts 16.0%
7.3% 5 or more +0.5 pts ▸ 7.7%
3.5% 1 bedroom ◂ +0.6 pts 2.8%
0.2% Studio / none +0.1 pts ▸ 0.3%

Weekly rent distribution

48.9% $350–$549 ◂ +1.2 pts 47.7%
23.5% $200–$349 +8.6 pts ▸ 32.1%
14.6% Under $200 ◂ +6.0 pts 8.6%
8.4% $550–$749 ◂ +1.0 pts 7.3%
1.0% $750 or more ◂ +0.3 pts 0.7%

Monthly mortgage distribution

39.3% $1,800–$2,999 ◂ +5.8 pts 33.4%
27.7% $1,000–$1,799 +4.0 pts ▸ 31.7%
14.0% Under $1,000 +3.0 pts ▸ 16.9%
13.6% $3,000 or more ◂ +1.7 pts 11.9%

Transport & Vehicles

No car in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
5.2% 52nd pct 4.0% 33rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 7.3%
  • First area, 2016: 5.9%
  • First area, 2021: 5.2%
  • Second area, 2011: 5.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 4.3%
  • Second area, 2021: 4.0%
Work from home in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +2.3 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
20.5% 81st pct 18.1% 75th pct
  • First area, 2011: 3.3%
  • First area, 2016: 3.9%
  • First area, 2021: 20.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 4.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 4.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 18.1%
PT commute in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap steady
0.6% 41st pct 0.4% 33rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 1.8%
  • First area, 2016: 1.5%
  • First area, 2021: 0.6%
  • Second area, 2011: 1.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 1.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 0.4%
PT stops in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +780 more in Lake Macquarie
1,463 88th pct 683 86th pct
Stops/1k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +2.23 more in Port Stephens
6.84 88th pct 9.07 96th pct
Departures/1k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +118.5 more in Port Stephens
977.7 79th pct 1,096.1 81st pct
PT routes in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +28 more in Lake Macquarie
47 86th pct 19 69th pct
Stop walk in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +43 longer in Lake Macquarie
47 75th pct 4 29th pct
Drive to city in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3 longer in Port Stephens
115 81st pct 118 83rd pct

How people get to work

56.0% Car (driver) even 56.0%
20.5% Worked at home ◂ +2.3 pts 18.1%
3.4% Car (passenger) +0.1 pts ▸ 3.5%
1.1% Walked +0.7 pts ▸ 1.8%
0.5% Bus even 0.4%
0.2% Bicycle even 0.2%
0.1% Train ◂ +0.1 pts 0.0%

Motor vehicles per home

39.9% 2 vehicles ◂ +1.6 pts 38.3%
33.3% 1 vehicle +3.1 pts ▸ 36.4%
13.5% 3 vehicles ◂ +0.6 pts 13.0%
8.1% 4 or more +0.2 pts ▸ 8.3%
5.2% No vehicle ◂ +1.2 pts 4.0%

Migration & Movement

Recent movers in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +4.3 pts higher in Port Stephens gap narrowing
36.1% 57th pct 40.4% 75th pct
  • First area, 2011: 32.7%
  • First area, 2016: 35.0%
  • First area, 2021: 36.1%
  • Second area, 2011: 38.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 39.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 40.4%
Recent arrivals in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.3 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
7.5% 31st pct 7.8% 32nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 9.5%
  • First area, 2016: 8.3%
  • First area, 2021: 7.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 9.7%
  • Second area, 2016: 6.5%
  • Second area, 2021: 7.8%

Jobs & Industry

Unemployment in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.4 pts higher in Port Stephens gap steady
4.6% 54th pct 5.0% 64th pct
  • First area, 2011: 5.3%
  • First area, 2016: 6.9%
  • First area, 2021: 4.6%
  • Second area, 2011: 6.2%
  • Second area, 2016: 7.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 5.0%
Participation in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +6.0 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
58.3% 52nd pct 52.3% 26th pct
  • First area, 2011: 57.4%
  • First area, 2016: 56.8%
  • First area, 2021: 58.3%
  • Second area, 2011: 54.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 52.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 52.3%
Full-time in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +2.4 pts higher in Lake Macquarie gap widening
56.5% 29th pct 54.2% 14th pct
  • First area, 2011: 60.3%
  • First area, 2016: 58.9%
  • First area, 2021: 56.5%
  • Second area, 2011: 59.9%
  • Second area, 2016: 57.7%
  • Second area, 2021: 54.2%

Industries people work in

19.1% Health care & social assistance ◂ +4.7 pts 14.5%
11.2% Construction ◂ +0.3 pts 10.8%
9.4% Retail trade +0.4 pts ▸ 9.8%
9.2% Education & training ◂ +1.9 pts 7.4%
6.3% Accommodation & food +2.8 pts ▸ 9.1%
5.6% Public administration & safety +2.8 pts ▸ 8.4%
5.8% Manufacturing +0.4 pts ▸ 6.2%
5.7% Professional & technical ◂ +0.5 pts 5.2%
3.8% Transport & warehousing +1.1 pts ▸ 4.9%
4.1% Other services +0.2 pts ▸ 4.3%
3.1% Administrative & support +0.7 pts ▸ 3.8%
3.2% Finance & insurance ◂ +1.2 pts 2.0%

Occupations people work in

21.5% Professionals ◂ +6.0 pts 15.5%
15.8% Technicians & trades +1.3 pts ▸ 17.1%
13.2% Community & personal service +0.8 pts ▸ 14.0%
13.1% Clerical & administrative ◂ +0.7 pts 12.4%
10.9% Managers +0.3 pts ▸ 11.2%
9.1% Labourers +1.9 pts ▸ 10.9%
8.6% Sales workers +0.6 pts ▸ 9.2%
6.4% Machinery operators & drivers +1.2 pts ▸ 7.7%

Economy & Advantage

IRSAD decile in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +2 higher in Lake Macquarie
7 64th pct 5 43rd pct
IRSD decile in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1 higher in Lake Macquarie
7 64th pct 6 57th pct
8 71st pct 8 71st pct
IEO decile in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3 higher in Lake Macquarie
7 64th pct 4 36th pct
IRSAD score in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +29 higher in Lake Macquarie
981 70th pct 952 49th pct
ERP in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +144,470 higher in Lake Macquarie
224,540 87th pct 80,070 79th pct
Growth in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.4 pts higher in Port Stephens
4.9% 62nd pct 6.3% 72nd pct
Businesses in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +9,927 higher in Lake Macquarie
15,181 86th pct 5,254 74th pct
Approvals in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +955 higher in Lake Macquarie
1,308 87th pct 353 76th pct

Environment & Climate

Rainfall in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +16 higher in Lake Macquarie
1,197 85th pct 1,182 84th pct
24.0 47th pct 24.0 47th pct
Min temp in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.2 higher in Port Stephens
11.8 60th pct 13.0 71st pct

Crime & Safety

Crime rate in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +144 higher in Port Stephens
7,181 40th pct 7,325 42nd pct
Assault/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +165 higher in Port Stephens
901 45th pct 1,065 56th pct
Sexual/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +9 higher in Port Stephens
298 59th pct 307 62nd pct
Robbery/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5 higher in Port Stephens
9 15th pct 15 29th pct
Burglary/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +69 higher in Lake Macquarie
334 28th pct 266 19th pct
Theft/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +208 higher in Lake Macquarie
793 27th pct 585 15th pct
Vehicle theft/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +194 higher in Lake Macquarie
663 79th pct 469 64th pct
Property damage/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +39 higher in Port Stephens
642 41st pct 681 44th pct
Drugs/100k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +28 higher in Port Stephens
323 36th pct 351 39th pct
5-yr change in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +6.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
7.9% 49th pct 1.7% 38th pct

Walkability

Walk score in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.5 higher in Lake Macquarie
4.9 73rd pct 4.5 66th pct
Types ≤15 min in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +0.7 more in Lake Macquarie
4.8 72nd pct 4.1 55th pct
15-min city in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5.0 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
52.8% 58th pct 47.7% 49th pct
Walk to shops in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.7 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
44.1% 43rd pct 42.4% 40th pct
Walk to transit in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +5.0 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
88.8% 81st pct 83.8% 78th pct
Walk to school in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +24.5 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
67.1% 70th pct 42.6% 30th pct
Walk to a park in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +4.2 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
87.6% 71st pct 83.4% 67th pct
Walk to health in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +7.9 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
32.7% 40th pct 24.8% 25th pct
Amenities/1k in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +3.9 more in Port Stephens
12.8 22nd pct 16.7 43rd pct
Intersections/km² in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +22 higher in Lake Macquarie
32 75th pct 9 72nd pct
Mean slope in Lake Macquariein Port Stephens +1.4 pts higher in Lake Macquarie
7.7% 86th pct 6.3% 73rd pct

Compare Lake Macquarie with nearby areas

Compare Port Stephens with nearby areas

Cite this page

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Lake Macquarie vs Port Stephens [Census of Population and Housing]. CensusAtlas, used under CC BY 4.0. https://censusatlas.au/compare/lga/LGA14650/lake-macquarie/vs/LGA16400/port-stephens