Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Cessnock
36 km²
A significant First Nations presence sets Cessnock apart, with 12.3% of the population identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. This large community is coupled with a notably older population, as 21.2% of residents are seniors. It is a place where many face challenges, with high rates of long-term health conditions and lower typical incomes compared to the national figure. Despite these pressures, the area remains a primary residential hub for the region with over 16,000 people.
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The community is older than most areas, with a typical age of 40 and a senior population that is well above the national figure. Around 17.1% of residents are children under 15, which is slightly lower than the state average.
Cessnock is very traditional in its roots, with 85.9% of people born in Australia and only 8.1% born overseas—a figure far below the New South Wales average.
English is the primary language here, with only 2.8% of people using another language at home, which is far below the state and national figures.
About 37% of residents have no religion, which is a little below the national figure, while 45.3% identify as Christian.
Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 6.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree and just 26.9% completing Year 12, far below the national figure.
Incomes are well below the national figure, with the typical weekly household income at $1,192. Only 10.5% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are common here; 37.6% of people have a long-term health condition, and 14.5% have a mental health condition, both of which are well above the national average.
Volunteer rates are among the lowest for similar areas at 7.6%, which is well below the state figure. Around 12.4% of the community provide unpaid care.
The First Nations community is large, with 2,006 people. However, Year 12 completion is far below the national figure at 20.4%.
One-parent families are very common, making up 28% of households, which is far above the national figure. About 30.5% of people live alone.
Most people live in separate houses (84.1%), and renting is much more common here than in other areas at 37.7%. Typical weekly rent is $320, which is a little below the national figure.
Cars are the primary way to get around, with 61.6% of workers driving. Only 10% of people work from home, which is far below the national figure.
The area has seen some movement, with 36.5% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are well below the national figure at 8.2%.
Finding work can be difficult, as the unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is a little above the national figure. Only 43.7% of adults are working or looking for work.
While most homes are within a short walk of public transport, fewer people can walk to groceries (46.5%) or health services (46.4%) compared to the state average.