Median house price
$865k
+13% change
NSW · Cessnock Council
Black Hill, 2322
Est. population · Jun 2025
543
Growth (1 yr)
+1.5%
Growth (5 yr)
+8.4%
Median age
47
Median income
$2,980/wk
Employment rate
61.9%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$865,000
Languages at home
3.2%non-English
Most common: Arabic
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Black Hill is a quieter smaller community in Cessnock Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. Distance from the metro area around Sydney is part of the appeal, with regional hubs closer to hand than the city. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with a strong presence of young families throughout.
Dining is thinner on the ground than in busier metro pockets, so many residents head to neighbouring suburbs for a night out. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Strong connections via buses keep the wider area accessible.
Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs. A trickle of new development is refreshing selected pockets without changing the overall feel.
Against similar metro suburbs, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because safety, plus schools and education lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment, plus growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Black Hill snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$660/wk
Houses $670 · Units $575
Population (ERP)
543
+1.5% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
9.3%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#117
among Metro Sydney · Mature
Safety
58th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
79th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
10/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
39th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 31.4/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5336th in Australia
- State rank
- 1724th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #117 among Metro Sydney · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #819 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $575
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $670
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $660
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 245
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $865,000
- Median price change
- +13.1%
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
543(June 2025)
+1.5% annual · +8.4% over 5 years · 79th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.5%
- 5-year growth
- +8.4%
- Change in 1 year
- +8
- Change in 5 years
- +42
- Growth rank in NSW
- 79th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~600), extrapolated at +1.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 516
- Median age
- 47
- Median household income / week
- $2,980
- Dwelling vacancy
- 9.3%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 16 of 172
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,665
- Employment rate
- 61.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 153 / 0 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 42
- Against the person
- 12
- Against property
- 16
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 77.3
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 43 residents
- State safety percentile
- 57.5th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +5.3%
Most common offence types
- Domestic Violence Related Assault181
- Fraud177
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment235
- Malicious Damage To Property172
- Transport Regulatory Offences284
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 982
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 39th
School list
- Black Hill Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 982 · 39th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 67 students · Top SEA quarter 13%View on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Public transport
32 public transport stops in this suburb
- John Renshaw Dr At Black Hill Rd
- John Renshaw Dr At Black Hill Rd
- John Renshaw Dr Opp Black Hill Rd
- John Renshaw Dr Opp Kinta Dr
- John Renshaw Dr Opp Kinta Dr
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Well connected by public transport — 32 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 30/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0
Other(1)
- Parking
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 35
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Maitland Private Hospital (6.3 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 20
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 36.8
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 27° / 18°
- Rainfall
- 295 mm · ~37 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 366 mm · ~46 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 272 mm · ~34 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 230 mm · ~29 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 13 proposals
May 2026
- Signage; Advertising and signage1 IMPERIAL AVENUE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Industrial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure7 PEACH ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Industrial development; Subdivision; Warehouse or distribution centre; Erection of a new structure20 VINEY CREEK DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Under Assessment
April 2026
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; General industry26 VINEY CREEK DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Under Assessment
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; General industry19 IMPERIAL AVENUE BLACK HILL 2322Under Assessment
- Subdivision198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Under Assessment
March 2026
- Temporary building, structure or use; Waste or resource management facility220 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Temporary building, structure or use; Extractive Industries (non-mining)220 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure5 CAHILL CLOSE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
February 2026
- Temporary building, structure or use; Waste or resource management facility220 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Withdrawn
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development27 IMPERIAL AVENUE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
January 2026
- Industrial development; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; General industry22 IMPERIAL AVENUE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure167 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Withdrawn
2025· 15 proposals
October 2025
- Industrial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure8 VINEY CREEK DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure298 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Industrial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure7 PEACH ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
September 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool28 PHOENIX ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Light industry198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
August 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure24 PHOENIX ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
July 2025
- Subdivision11 Peach Road Black Hill NSW 2322Determined
May 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure24 PHOENIX ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
April 2025
- Industrial development; Erection of a new structure198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport12 WALTER PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
March 2025
- Industrial development; Subdivision; Warehouse or distribution centre; Erection of a new structure198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support25A FORSYTHE PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
February 2025
- Subdivision220 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation7 WALTER PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
January 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure24 WALTER PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
2024· 12 proposals
November 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Light industry198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure19 FORSYTHE PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
September 2024
- Subdivision238 MEREDITH ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool19 FORSYTHE PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
August 2024
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure7 CAHILL CLOSE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure1 WALTER PARADE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Industrial development; Advertising and signage; Erection of a new structure198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
July 2024
- Demolition298 BLACK HILL ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
June 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation24 PHOENIX ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure14 PHOENIX ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
April 2024
- Industrial development; Subdivision198 LENAGHANS DRIVE BLACK HILL 2322Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Residential AccommodationTAYLORS ROAD BLACK HILL 2322Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Paterson
- Member of Parliament
- Meryl SWANSON (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 127,926
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.8%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.3 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 43.1%Labor 56.9%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 7.4 km away).
Coalition 35.9%Labor 64.2%
7.3 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +5.0 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- BeresfieldLabor 65.7% · Coalition 34.3% TPP (2025)3.6 km away
- TarroLabor 63.6% · Coalition 36.4% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
- ThorntonLabor 58.8% · Coalition 41.2% TPP (2025)5.0 km away
- SomersetLabor 59.7% · Coalition 40.3% TPP (2025)5.1 km away
- WoodberryLabor 70.5% · Coalition 29.6% TPP (2025)5.6 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 10/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 8/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Cessnock Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.