🔍

Waratah

NSW 2298 • Rest of NSW

4,927
Population (2021)
$78,572
Median Household Income
1.91 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
EstablishedHistoricCommuter BeltSuburbanMid-Range

About Waratah

Waratah is a compact inner suburb of Newcastle, located approximately 4 kilometres west of the Newcastle CBD within the City of Newcastle council area. With a population of 4,927 and a median age of 41, it is an established, mixed suburb home to a blend of long-term residents, university-aged renters, and older community members — including a notably significant retired and aged-care population. Median household income of around $1,511 per week reflects this diverse mix of workers, students, and retirees.

Waratah is home to the John Hunter Hospital, one of the Hunter region's major health facilities, which shapes much of the suburb's employment and institutional character. Waratah railway station on the Main North line provides direct access to Newcastle CBD and beyond, and proximity to the University of Newcastle makes the suburb popular with students and healthcare workers. A mix of Federation-era and mid-century homes lines its streets, giving Waratah a well-established feel within a highly connected urban setting.

Waratah falls under postcode 2298 and is governed by Newcastle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wallsend electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2298
Urban Area
Throsby
LGA / Council
Newcastle
Federal Electorate
Newcastle
State Electorate
Wallsend
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.90°, 151.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
1.91 km²
Elevation
25m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$935K
55 sales · ▲ 2.9% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$708K
24 sales · ▲ 19.8% 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)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,827
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.1%

155 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Waratah
0.6 km
7 min
Waratah West
1.2 km
15 min

Bus Services

  • Route 225, 226 — Newcastle CBD (Interchange) 10-15 min

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
5 km
By Train
Waratah to Newcastle Interchange approx 8-12 min on T1 Newcastle Line
By Car (Peak)
10-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-12 min

🛣️ Inner Newcastle suburb; New England Highway passes through; close to John Hunter Hospital and University of Newcastle

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some local shops and services walkable; train station adds connectivity but car useful for most errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Turton Road Waratah 2298 NSW

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Newcastle Local Government Area, which contains Waratah. 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
4,491
Census 2021
4,927
▲ 9.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$31,200
Personal Income 2021
$40,820
▲ 30.8% 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
$40,820 / yr
$785/wk
Household
$78,572 / yr
$1511/wk
Family
$108,680 / yr
$2090/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,787
Born Overseas 786

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 91
  • 2. New Zealand 62
  • 3. Nepal 57
  • 4. Philippines 38
  • 5. India 35
  • 6. Italy 32
  • 7. China 30
  • 8. Pakistan 18
  • 9. Malaysia 17
  • 10. Bangladesh 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,797
Australian 1,710
Irish 645
Scottish 514
Australian Aboriginal 202
German 194
Italian 140
Chinese 68
Dutch 61
Polish 55

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,933
Both parents born in Australia
850
Both parents born overseas
518
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
43.5%
No Religion
39.6%
Islam
1.7%
Buddhism
1.5%
Hinduism
1.4%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
197 (4.0%)
5-14 years
404 (8.2%)
15-19 years
206 (4.2%)
20-24 years
416 (8.4%)
25-34 years
838 (17.0%)
35-44 years
558 (11.3%)
45-54 years
559 (11.3%)
55-64 years
505 (10.2%)
65-74 years
446 (9.1%)
75-84 years
363 (7.4%)
85+ years
436 (8.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waratah known for? +

Waratah is known for being home to the John Hunter Hospital, one of the Hunter region's major health facilities and a significant employer. The suburb also has a historic character with well-established streets and good train connections to Newcastle.

How far is Waratah from Newcastle CBD? +

Waratah is approximately 4 kilometres west of the Newcastle CBD, with a train journey of around 10 minutes from Waratah station.

Does Waratah have public transport? +

Waratah has its own railway station on the Main North Coast Line, providing regular services to Newcastle city centre and the Hunter Valley. Local bus routes also serve the suburb, making it well-connected for a car-free lifestyle.

What is the population of Waratah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Waratah has a population of approximately 4,927 residents within the City of Newcastle local government area.

Is Waratah a good place to live? +

Waratah is a practical and affordable inner suburb of Newcastle offering good rail connections, hospital employment nearby, and established community infrastructure. It suits healthcare workers, young professionals, and families seeking affordable housing close to Newcastle CBD.

What is the postcode for Waratah? +

The postcode for Waratah is 2298.

What is the average income in Waratah? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Waratah is about $785 per week (around $40,800 per year). The median household income is $1,511 per week and the median family income is $2,090 per week.

What is the median house price in Waratah? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $935,000, up 2.9% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $707,500, up 19.8% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Waratah? +

The median age in Waratah is 41. The largest age group is 25–34 (838 residents, around 17%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 25% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Waratah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Waratah 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 Waratah? +

In Waratah, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,827 (2021 Census).