East Maitland
Forecast growth of 3.16% a year is the standout feature of East Maitland, alongside 180 development applications in the past 12 months. The suburb has 11,860 residents, a median age of 40 that matches the national average, and a housing stock led by separate houses at 74.5%. Compared with nearby Maitland and Rutherford, East Maitland presents a more detached-house-oriented option for households wanting established services with ongoing change around them. Its rejuvenating trajectory, 23.2% working-from-home rate and 36.9% renting share point to a suburb attracting both long-term residents and newer arrivals.
Population
11,860
Median Age
40.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,422/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
176
East Maitland suits buyers seeking conventional family housing, because 74.5% of dwellings are separate houses and 42.2% contain 3 bedrooms, while a further 30.4% have 4 or more. The monthly mortgage benchmark is $1,733, and mortgage costs equal 28.1% of household income, compared with 23.2% for rent. That mortgage share is not flagged as stressed, although it is higher than the rental burden. Apartments make up only 8.1%, so buyers wanting low-maintenance stock may face less choice than those seeking detached or semi-detached homes.
For Buyers
East Maitland suits buyers seeking conventional family housing, because 74.5% of dwellings are separate houses and 42.2% contain 3 bedrooms, while a further 30.4% have 4 or more. The monthly mortgage benchmark is $1,733, and mortgage costs equal 28.1% of household income, compared with 23.2% for rent. That mortgage share is not flagged as stressed, although it is higher than the rental burden. Apartments make up only 8.1%, so buyers wanting low-maintenance stock may face less choice than those seeking detached or semi-detached homes.
For Investors
East Maitland has a sizeable tenant base, with 36.9% of households renting compared with 30.2% owning outright. Weekly rent is $330 and vacancy is 6.0%, creating a tenant market but also suggesting investors should test demand carefully by property type and location. The 180 development applications recorded over 12 months may add competing stock, especially for newer dwellings. Compared with the established ownership base, the rental share supports income-focused strategies, while 3.16% annual forecast growth and internal migration provide a longer-term demand rationale. Active gentrification, scored at 40, adds potential but also calls for conservative purchase assumptions.
Development Activity
Total DAs
795
Last 12 Months
176
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+24.8%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in East Maitland
Open-register school locations for education access. This is not a school-quality ranking.
Demographics
East Maitland's median age is 40, exactly matching the national average, while the average household size of 2.3 is 0.2 below the national figure. University attainment is 25.7%, or 4.4 percentage points below national levels, and the overseas-born share is 9.7%, 11.9 points below nationally. English ancestry is recorded for 5,299 people, followed by Irish at 1,491 and Scottish at 1,292, reinforcing an Anglo-leaning profile. Christianity accounts for 6,249 responses and no religion for 4,514. Compared with more recently settled areas, this composition helps explain the suburb's established feel, while a 23.7% turnover rate still indicates regular movement.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
74.5%
Houses
17.4%
Townhouse
8.1%
Apartment
Tenure
East Maitland's housing profile is anchored by separate houses at 74.5%, with semi-detached dwellings at 17.4% and apartments at 8.1%. Three-bedroom homes account for 42.2% of stock and 4-plus-bedroom homes for 30.4%, so the mix is better suited to families than to compact apartment living. Tenure is relatively split: 30.2% own outright, 31.0% hold a mortgage and 36.9% rent. Compared with the 30.2% outright-owner share, renting is higher, which supports a mobile household market. Weekly rent is $330 and mortgage costs are $1,733 monthly, with mortgage payments at 28.1% of household income and no mortgage-stress flag.
Mortgage / mo
$1,733
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $330.
$610
Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $640 · units $480
HH Size
2.3
Personal Income / wk
$744
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
6.0%
Unoccupied
315
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.2%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
28.1%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
38.4%
Couples with children
39.0%
Couples, no children
20.8%
Single parent
3,219
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare is East Maitland's largest employment industry at 20.4%, representing 755 workers, followed by education at 12.3% and 453 workers. Construction contributes 8.8%, public administration 8.2% and professional and technical services 6.7%. The occupational mix is similarly broad, led by professionals at 1,131 and trades at 931, followed by clerical and administrative work at 694. Unemployment is 5.0%, participation is 58.8% and the full-time rate is 58.4%, supporting a substantial working population. Household income sits at percentile 41.9. All 4 SEIFA measures sit at decile 4, below higher-decile locations, indicating a middle-lower socioeconomic position despite strong healthcare, education and public-sector employment.
Unemployment
5.0%
Labour Force
5,773
Unemployed
287
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
58.4%
Part-time
34.2%
Participation
58.8%
Employed
5,486
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
25.7%
Postgraduate
5.0%
Born Overseas
9.7%
Dwellings
4,892
Transport to Work
East Maitland provides access to 3 nearby schools: 1 government primary school and 2 government secondary schools. Families should check enrolment zones against the exact address because catchments can cross suburb boundaries. Daily travel is strongly car-oriented, with 70.0% driving to work compared with 0.8% using public transport and 1.8% walking or cycling. A further 23.2% work from home, which may reduce commuting for some households. The IRSAD score is at decile 4, lower than higher-decile areas, so amenity expectations should be matched to the local budget and address. No suburb-level crime rate is stated, making a current safety check advisable before purchase or renting.
Drive
70.0%
Public Transport
0.8%
Walk / Cycle
1.8%
Work from Home
23.2%
Population Forecast
+3.16%/yr
(+310 people/yr)
EstablishedEast Maitland is classified as established but has a rejuvenating trajectory, with annual forecast growth of 3.16% driven primarily by internal migration. Across the wider area, population change is forecast at 80.4% over ten years, signalling substantial momentum without implying a suburb-level future head count. The young share is higher by 3.8 percentage points and the senior share is lower by 3.2 points, consistent with a changing age profile. Gentrification is at an Active stage with a score of 40, while rent growth has reached 56.0%. Compared with a static established suburb, these indicators point to stronger turnover, rising demand and continued pressure on housing affordability.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Internal Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+23
Net Internal / yr
+213
Gentrification Signal
Active
Net internal migration +213/yr, Accelerating: 37% → 45%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How East Maitland compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Maitland a good suburb to live in?
East Maitland may suit households wanting established services, detached housing and access to schools. It has 11,860 residents, a median age of 40 and 74.5% separate houses. Car use is high at 70.0%, so it is more suitable for residents comfortable with driving than for those seeking a highly transit-oriented lifestyle.
What is the median house price in East Maitland?
A current median house price is not stated. Useful housing context includes a weekly rent of $330, 74.5% separate houses and a mortgage benchmark of $1,733 per month. Mortgage costs equal 28.1% of household income, so buyers should compare recent sales for the exact street, dwelling type and bedroom count.
What schools are in East Maitland?
The named local schools are Maitland East Public School, Maitland Grossmann High School and Maitland High School. The mix includes 1 primary school and 2 secondary schools, all in the government sector. Families should confirm enrolment zones and transport arrangements for the specific address before committing to a property.
Is East Maitland safe?
A suburb-level crime rate is not stated, so safety cannot be rated numerically from the available figures. East Maitland has 11,860 residents and 70.0% of workers drive, making street context and traffic conditions relevant. Check current NSW Police crime mapping and visit the precise area at different times before renting or buying.
Is East Maitland good for property investment?
East Maitland has several investment positives, including 36.9% renting, $330 weekly rent, a 6.0% vacancy rate and 3.16% annual forecast growth. Internal migration is the primary growth driver. However, 180 development applications in 12 months may increase competing supply, so investors should assess dwelling type, tenant demand and holding costs carefully.
How is East Maitland's population changing?
Growth is forecast at 3.16% annually, driven by internal migration. Across the wider area, population change is forecast at 80.4% over ten years. The trajectory is Rejuvenating, with the young share higher by 3.8 percentage points and the senior share lower by 3.2 points, indicating a shifting age profile rather than a static established suburb.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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