๐Ÿ“ฎ Merewether postcode: 2291

Merewether Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (NSW)

Merewether, New South Walesยท Newcastleยท 2291
Merewether has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbsUpdated 2 Apr 2026

Liveability Score

5.8/10

Merewether has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbs

Key Facts

Median Age
38 years (state avg)
Median Household Income
$1,468/wk (state avg)
Families with Children
28.7% of households
Home Ownership
64.5% own โ€” 31.5% rent
Postcode
2291
Highest high-risk exposure
9.9% of land (bushfire)

Demographics Analysis

Merewether in New South Wales reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in New South Wales has a median weekly income of around $1,468, with a median age of 38 years.

The ABS reports that 28.7% of households in New South Wales are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 24.5% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.

Home ownership rates in New South Wales show that 64.5% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 31.5% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability โ€” all important factors for home buyers evaluating Merewether.

Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Merewether. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles โ€” families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Merewether property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.

Merewether (postcode 2291) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (9.9% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (6.6% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Merewether โ€” individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Implement coastal protection measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect properties from sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Develop heatwave management plans

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as providing cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Promote energy efficiency and water conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve water through incentives and education programs.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Newcastle City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 2 April 2026

Explore Merewether Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Merewether?

Population data for Merewether comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the New South Wales state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.

What is the median age in Merewether?

The median age for New South Wales is 38 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Merewether. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.

What is the average household income in Merewether?

The median weekly household income in New South Wales is $1,468 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.

What type of people live in Merewether?

The demographic profile of Merewether is broadly shaped by its location within New South Wales. According to the ABS Census, 28.7% of households in the state are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. The overall population of New South Wales has a median age of 38 โ€” use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Merewether.

What share of Merewether is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 9.9% of Merewether in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.1% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform โ€” individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Merewether Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Merewether, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 ยท Australian addresses only ยท 8 hazard scores ยท Insurance trajectory ยท 2030 & 2050 projections