🔍

Charlestown

NSW 2290 • Rest of NSW

13,601
Population (2021)
$95,628
Median Household Income
7.12 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Shopping HubLake MacquarieFamily-FriendlyRegional Centre

About Charlestown

Charlestown is the commercial heart of Lake Macquarie, a substantial suburb where over 13,000 residents access one of the region's largest shopping centres. Charlestown Square serves the broader Lake Macquarie population, making this a significant retail destination. The solid median income reflects comfortable demographics.

Beyond the shopping centre, local businesses serve the residential community. Lake Macquarie itself provides recreation, and Newcastle's beaches are accessible nearby. Charlestown attracts families seeking Lake Macquarie living with comprehensive shopping and services. It's the Hunter's suburban centre—practical, well-serviced, and family-friendly.

Charlestown falls under postcode 2290 and is governed by Lake Macquarie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Charlestown electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2290
Urban Area
Lake Macquarie - East
LGA / Council
Lake Macquarie
Federal Electorate
Shortland
State Electorate
Charlestown
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.97°, 151.69°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
7.12 km²
Elevation
109m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Charlestown for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$990K
229 sales · ▲ 8.9% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$693K
124 sales · ▲ 7.7% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

68 state housing + 24 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD 330-440 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
Approximately 275 min to Sydney CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 110 km north-east of Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Charlestown Square Shopping Centre Pearson Street Charlestown 2290 NSW

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area, which contains Charlestown. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 4.6%
Motor vehicle theft
229.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
376.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
4.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
409.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 3.1%
View all 62 offence types for Lake Macquarie →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
12,912
Census 2021
13,601
▲ 5.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,360
Personal Income 2021
$45,760
▲ 29.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$45,760 / yr
$880/wk
Household
$95,628 / yr
$1839/wk
Family
$117,260 / yr
$2255/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 11,447
Born Overseas 1,800

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 290
  • 2. New Zealand 138
  • 3. China 128
  • 4. India 101
  • 5. Philippines 73
  • 6. North Macedonia 72
  • 7. Scotland 58
  • 8. Nepal 57
  • 9. United States 57
  • 10. Italy 53

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 5,735
Australian 5,422
Scottish 1,765
Irish 1,698
German 610
Australian Aboriginal 495
Italian 421
Chinese 338
Macedonian 206
Dutch 173

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

9,298
Both parents born in Australia
2,299
Both parents born overseas
1,596
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.2%
No Religion
45.3%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
0.9%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
866 (6.4%)
5-14 years
1,667 (12.3%)
15-19 years
680 (5.0%)
20-24 years
824 (6.1%)
25-34 years
2,001 (14.7%)
35-44 years
1,992 (14.6%)
45-54 years
1,606 (11.8%)
55-64 years
1,469 (10.8%)
65-74 years
1,217 (8.9%)
75-84 years
849 (6.2%)
85+ years
427 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charlestown known for? +

Charlestown is a well-established residential suburb in Lake Macquarie, NSW, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 13,601 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of NSW region.

How far is Charlestown from Sydney CBD? +

Charlestown is approximately 110 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Charlestown have public transport? +

Charlestown is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Charlestown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Charlestown has a population of approximately 13,601 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Lake Macquarie district.

Is Charlestown a good place to live? +

Charlestown appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $50,630, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most NSW suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Charlestown? +

The postcode for Charlestown, NSW is 2290.

What is the average income in Charlestown? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Charlestown is about $880 per week (around $45,800 per year). The median household income is $1,839 per week and the median family income is $2,255 per week.

What is the median house price in Charlestown? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $990,000, up 8.9% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $692,500, up 7.7% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Charlestown? +

The median age in Charlestown is 38. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,001 residents, around 15%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 18% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Charlestown a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Charlestown is part of the Lake Macquarie LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Charlestown? +

In Charlestown, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).