🔍

Merewether Heights

NSW 2291 • Rest of NSW

1,495
Population (2021)
$157,144
Median Household Income
0.53 km²
Area
$580/wk
Median Rent
CoastalAffluentFamily-FriendlyScenicBeachside

About Merewether Heights

Merewether Heights is an elevated residential suburb in Newcastle, New South Wales, located about 7 km south of the Newcastle CBD. With a population of around 1,500 and a median age of 41, it is a smaller, affluent community within the City of Newcastle. The suburb covers just 0.5 square kilometres at an elevation of 68 metres, offering elevated views toward the coast.

Residents enjoy proximity to Merewether Beach, one of Newcastle's premier surf beaches, along with the Merewether Ocean Baths and the vibrant café scene of the neighbouring Merewether village. The suburb attracts established professionals and families with its high household incomes, quiet leafy streets, and excellent access to coastal recreation. Local schools and parks add to its family appeal.

Merewether Heights falls under postcode 2291 and is governed by Newcastle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Newcastle electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2291
Urban Area
Newcastle - Inner City
LGA / Council
Newcastle
Federal Electorate
Newcastle
State Electorate
Newcastle
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.95°, 151.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
0.53 km²
Elevation
68m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$1.72M
21 sales · ▲ 1.2% 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)
$580
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,600
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
41 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Hamilton
4.5 km
55 min
Broadmeadow
4 km
48 min

Bus Services

  • 14 — Merewether / Newcastle Interchange 15-20 min
  • 14, 47 — The Junction / Newcastle CBD 15-20 min

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
7 km
By Bus
20 min
By Car (Peak)
15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10 min

🛣️ No direct train access; bus routes connect via The Junction to Newcastle Interchange

Walkability Car-Dependent

Primarily residential with no local shops; walking access to Merewether village and beach is feasible but hilly.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Merewether Heights, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Glenrock early coalmining sites
Glenrock State Recreation Area • SHR #00988

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
553 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
413.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 5.3%
Non-DV assault
677.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
30 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
961.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.2%
View all 62 offence types for Newcastle →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,400
Census 2021
1,495
▲ 6.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$47,996
Personal Income 2021
$60,268
▲ 25.6% 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
$60,268 / yr
$1159/wk
Household
$157,144 / yr
$3022/wk
Family
$169,000 / yr
$3250/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,330
Born Overseas 143

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 36
  • 2. New Zealand 11
  • 3. India 8
  • 4. South Africa 7
  • 5. China 6
  • 6. Canada 5
  • 7. Germany 5
  • 8. Philippines 5
  • 9. Scotland 5
  • 10. Thailand 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 709
Australian 593
Irish 221
Scottish 210
German 73
Italian 61
Greek 40
Dutch 30
Chinese 24
Australian Aboriginal 20

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,072
Both parents born in Australia
196
Both parents born overseas
199
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.8%
Christianity
44.5%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
84 (5.6%)
5-14 years
273 (18.3%)
15-19 years
106 (7.1%)
20-24 years
63 (4.2%)
25-34 years
100 (6.7%)
35-44 years
207 (13.8%)
45-54 years
224 (15.0%)
55-64 years
138 (9.2%)
65-74 years
102 (6.8%)
75-84 years
112 (7.5%)
85+ years
75 (5.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merewether Heights known for? +

Merewether Heights is an elevated residential suburb in Newcastle, New South Wales, located about 7 km south of the Newcastle CBD. With a population of around 1,500 and a median age of 41, it is a smaller, affluent community within the City of Newcastle.

How far is Merewether Heights from Newcastle CBD? +

Merewether Heights is approximately 7 kilometres from Newcastle CBD. The drive takes around 15 min during peak hour and 10 min off-peak.

Does Merewether Heights have public transport? +

Merewether Heights is served by Hamilton station (4.5 km, approximately 55 min walk) on the Hunter Line (Newcastle Interchange). Local bus services including 14 also connect residents to Merewether / Newcastle Interchange.

What is the population of Merewether Heights? +

According to the 2021 Census, Merewether Heights has a population of approximately 1,495 residents.

Is Merewether Heights a good place to live? +

Merewether Heights is well-regarded for its coastal lifestyle, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed community feel. It suits those who prioritise beach access and a quieter pace of life over proximity to a major city.

What is the postcode for Merewether Heights? +

The postcode for Merewether Heights in NSW is 2291.

What is the average income in Merewether Heights? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Merewether Heights is about $1,159 per week (around $60,300 per year). The median household income is $3,022 per week and the median family income is $3,250 per week.

What is the median house price in Merewether Heights? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,720,000, up 1.2% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Merewether Heights? +

The median age in Merewether Heights is 41. The largest age group is 5–14 (273 residents, around 18%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Merewether Heights a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Merewether Heights is part of the Newcastle 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 Merewether Heights? +

In Merewether Heights, the median weekly rent is $580, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,600 (2021 Census).