NSW 2264 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Morisset Park

A compact lakeside suburb of 1,085 people, Morisset Park combines a 96.1% separate-house share with an unusually high 10.9% rental vacancy rate. Household income sits at the 67.2nd percentile nationally, while 28.8% of residents work from home, supporting a quieter residential pattern. Compared with nearby Morisset and Bonnells Bay, its small 0.95 square kilometre footprint produces a dense 1,142.3 people per square kilometre despite the detached housing form. The mix reflects established family housing, moderate mobility and some capacity for additional development.

Local council: Lake Macquarie

Morisset Park urban fabric map

Population

1,085

Median Age

38.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,858/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

16

0.95 km²· 1,142.3 people/km²· Family income $1,933/wk

Morisset Park suits buyers prioritising detached family space, with 96.1% of dwellings separate houses and 65.2% containing 4 or more bedrooms. Mortgage repayments average $2,029 per month, equivalent to 25.2% of household income, while rent averages $480 per week and represents 25.8% of income. Those housing-cost shares are below the level commonly associated with severe stress. Compared with apartment-oriented suburbs, the local stock is higher in land content and larger in bedroom count, but buyers should allow for car-oriented daily travel because 67.9% drive to work.

For Buyers

Morisset Park suits buyers prioritising detached family space, with 96.1% of dwellings separate houses and 65.2% containing 4 or more bedrooms. Mortgage repayments average $2,029 per month, equivalent to 25.2% of household income, while rent averages $480 per week and represents 25.8% of income. Those housing-cost shares are below the level commonly associated with severe stress. Compared with apartment-oriented suburbs, the local stock is higher in land content and larger in bedroom count, but buyers should allow for car-oriented daily travel because 67.9% drive to work.

For Investors

The rental profile has both income and risk signals. Weekly rent is $480 and 32.9% of households rent, creating a meaningful tenant base, while the 10.9% vacancy rate is high compared with tighter rental markets and may lengthen letting periods. Fifteen development matters were recorded over 12 months, including subdivision, a secondary dwelling, marina-related work and larger mixed-use proposals. Healthcare, construction and education account for 19.8%, 13.7% and 12.5% of local employment respectively, giving the area several practical employment links. Investors should test vacancy assumptions rather than rely on headline rent alone.

Development Activity

Total DAs

162

Last 12 Months

16

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

-30.4%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Swimming Pool / Spa
12
New Dwelling
7
Garage / Carport / Shed
5
Renovation / Extension
4
Subdivision
4
Granny Flat / Secondary Dwelling
3
Demolition
2
Landscaping / Retaining Wall
1

Demographics

Morisset Park has a median age of 38, which is 2.0 years below the national figure, and an average household size of 2.9, or 0.4 people higher than the national average. University attainment is 24.4%, 5.7 percentage points below the national comparison, while the overseas-born share is 12.6%, 9.0 points lower. English, Irish and Scottish ancestry counts are 494, 122 and 113 respectively, and Christianity and no religion account for 558 and 443 responses. Compared with more migrant-heavy or university-oriented suburbs, the profile is older-established and more Anglo-leaning because family and long-term household patterns remain prominent.

Age Distribution

0-14
22.6%
15-24
11.5%
25-44
23.8%
45-64
22.6%
65+
20.5%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
2.8%
2 bed
9.2%
3 bed
22.8%
4+ bed
65.2%

Dwelling Structure

96.1%

Houses

3.9%

Townhouse

0.0%

Apartment

Tenure

Own 34.0% Mortgage 30.0% Rent 32.9% Other 3.1%

Housing is strongly detached and family-sized: 96.1% of dwellings are separate houses, 65.2% have 4 or more bedrooms and 22.8% have 3 bedrooms. Tenure is split between 34.0% owned outright, 30.0% mortgaged and 32.9% rented, with only 3.1% in other arrangements. Mortgage costs equal 25.2% of household income and rent equals 25.8%, so both measures sit below a severe-stress profile. Compared with a unit-led suburb, Morisset Park offers higher house exposure and larger floorplans, while the 10.9% vacancy rate indicates more available rental stock than many tightly held markets.

Mortgage / mo

$2,029

Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $480.

$668

Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $695

HH Size

2.9

Personal Income / wk

$794

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

10.9%

Unoccupied

44

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

25.8%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

25.2%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
494
Irish
122
Scottish
113
Other
70
German
60
Ancestry NS
42

Household Composition

40.2%

Couples with children

41.8%

Couples, no children

19.6%

Single parent

316

Total families

Economy & Employment

Local employment is led by healthcare at 19.8%, construction at 13.7%, education at 12.5%, retail at 8.0% and professional or technical work at 7.0%. The occupation mix includes 90 professionals, 69 managers, 66 trades workers, 65 clerical and administrative workers and 54 community or personal service workers. Unemployment is 4.3%, participation is 57.2% and the full-time rate is 60.2%. Household income of $1,858 per week ranks at the 67.2nd percentile, above the midpoint nationally. Compared with a single-industry suburb, this spread supports resilience because health, education, trades and services are all represented.

Unemployment

4.3%

Labour Force

483

Unemployed

21

Source: ABS Census 2021

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Full-time

60.2%

Part-time

32.0%

Participation

57.2%

Employed

462

Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021

Occupations

Professionals 90
Managers 69
Trades 66
Clerical/Admin 65
Community/Personal 54
Labourers 46
Sales 36
Machinery/Drivers 32

Top Industries

Healthcare 19.8%
Construction 13.7%
Education 12.5%
Retail 8.0%
Professional/Tech 7.0%

University

24.4%

Postgraduate

6.1%

Born Overseas

12.6%

Dwellings

360

Transport to Work

Daily life is likely to be car-oriented: 67.9% of workers drive, while 28.8% work from home. That pattern matters because the suburb covers only 0.95 square kilometres but has a density of 1,142.3 people per square kilometre, so compact geography does not automatically mean walkable routines. Family households are prominent, with 40.2% of families including children, 41.8% couples without children and 19.6% one-parent families. Compared with a more transit-dependent suburb, private vehicle access is a stronger practical consideration here. A volunteering rate of 16.8% and need-assistance rate of 6.0% add useful context for local social connection and support needs.

Drive

67.9%

Public Transport

N/A

Walk / Cycle

N/A

Work from Home

28.8%

Growth Outlook

Growth conditions are being shaped by a small but active development pipeline rather than a large vacant land profile. Fifteen applications were recorded over 12 months, including subdivision, a secondary dwelling, a marina-related proposal and projects involving residential, hospitality and commercial elements. Residential stability remains substantial, with 66.4% of residents staying at the same address and turnover at 33.6%. Compared with a fully built-out suburb, that combination leaves more scope for incremental change, although the 0.95 square kilometre area limits how much additional density can be absorbed. The 28.8% work-from-home rate may also support continued demand for larger homes.

Population trend: Lake Macquarie council area

Morisset Park sits in the Lake Macquarie council area. These are the council area's residents, not Morisset Park's.

Residents 2025

224,540

Growth, 5 yr average

+1.2%/yr

2020 to 2025

Growth, last year

+1.1%

2024 to 2025

ABS Estimated Resident Population by LGA, 30 June each year; council area, not this suburb

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Morisset Park compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 28%
Household Income
Top 33%
Rent Level
Top 7%
Apartments
Bottom 0%
Renters
Top 17%
Uni Educated
Top 48%
Born Overseas
Bottom 43%
Density
Top 14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morisset Park a good suburb to live in?

Morisset Park may suit households wanting detached space and a quieter residential setting. Separate houses make up 96.1% of dwellings, 65.2% have 4 or more bedrooms and 28.8% of residents work from home. Compared with a transit-led suburb, car access is more important because 67.9% drive to work.

What is the median house price in Morisset Park?

For a current median, compare recent settled sales by bedroom count and street, because the local housing profile spans 22.8% three-bedroom homes and 65.2% with 4 or more bedrooms. Weekly rent is $480, and 96.1% of dwellings are separate houses, so detached-sale evidence is more relevant than apartment comparisons.

What schools are in Morisset Park?

Families should verify the current enrolment zone, school type and travel time for each address before buying. Morisset Park has 1,085 residents, 40.2% of families include children and 67.9% of workers drive, so practical access by car may matter more than in a highly walkable catchment.

Is Morisset Park safe?

Assess safety at the exact street and property level by checking recent police mapping, lighting, foot traffic and evening conditions. The suburb has 1,085 residents, a 96.1% separate-house share and 67.9% car commuters. Those figures describe the built form and travel pattern, but they should not be treated as a safety rating.

Is Morisset Park good for property investment?

It has a substantial rental base, with 32.9% of households renting and weekly rent of $480. However, the 10.9% vacancy rate is high compared with tighter rental markets, so holding periods should allow for leasing risk. Fifteen development matters over 12 months add activity, but investors should test local competition and tenant demand carefully.

How is Morisset Park's population changing?

Morisset Park has 1,085 residents, with 66.4% staying at the same address and 33.6% turning over. That points to established retention alongside meaningful movement between homes. Development activity reached 15 matters over 12 months, so gradual housing change is possible, but the 0.95 square kilometre area limits the scale of expansion.

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).

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