Median house price
$838k
+14% change
NSW · Cessnock Council
Buchanan, 2323
Est. population · Jun 2025
226
Growth (1 yr)
+2.3%
Growth (5 yr)
+11.9%
Median age
38
Median income
$2,028/wk
Employment rate
63%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$838,000
Languages at home
4%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
In Cessnock Council, Buchanan keeps a rural calm, a smaller community with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. 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. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers.
Local crime has been trending higher of late. An emerging neighbourhood feel is building here, with new households gradually reshaping local life.
Against similar metro suburbs, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because 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
Buchanan snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$590/wk
Houses $630 · Units $470
Population (ERP)
226
+2.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
4.5%
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
#245
among Metro Sydney · Emerging
Safety
77th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
90th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
national SEIFA decile
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
- 27.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5987th in Australia
- State rank
- 1934th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #245 among Metro Sydney · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #850 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $470
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $630
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $590
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 185
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $838,000
- Median price change
- +13.6%
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
226(June 2025)
+2.3% annual · +11.9% over 5 years · 90th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +2.3%
- 5-year growth
- +11.9%
- Change in 1 year
- +5
- Change in 5 years
- +24
- Growth rank in NSW
- 90th 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 (~250), extrapolated at +2.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 212
- Median age
- 38
- Median household income / week
- $2,028
- Dwelling vacancy
- 4.5%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 3 of 67
- Median monthly mortgage
- $3,000
- Employment rate
- 63%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 70 / 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)
- 24
- Against the person
- 6
- Against property
- 12
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 106.2
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 35 residents
- State safety percentile
- 77th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +14.6%
Most common offence types
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment254
- Malicious Damage To Property260
- Steal From Motor Vehicle212
- Steal From Retail Store289
- Transport Regulatory Offences250
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
Public transport
7 public transport stops in this suburb
- 1395 George Booth Dr
- 1424 George Booth Dr
- John Renshaw Dr At Averys Lane
- John Renshaw Dr At Averys Lane
- John Renshaw Dr Near Averys Lane
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
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
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)
- 14
- 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
- Kurri Kurri District Hospital (6.5 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)
- 7
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 31.0
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· 9 proposals
July 2026
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)744 BUCHANAN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport; Fences; Garage, carport or carparking space; Pathways and paving; Rainwater tanks; Swimming pool215 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Under Assessment
June 2026
- Subdivision242A AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure203 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool220 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
April 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool244 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)744 BUCHANAN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
January 2026
- SubdivisionAVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Subdivision15 CAMARGO CIRCUIT BUCHANAN 2323Determined
2025· 18 proposals
December 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (internal)242 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
November 2025
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation221 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
October 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support213 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
September 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport; Fences; Garage, carport or carparking space; Pathways and paving; Rainwater tanks; Swimming pool215 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support209 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
August 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Tennis courts671 BUCHANAN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation20 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Subdivision7 WIRRINA CLOSE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
July 2025
- Subdivision197 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation419 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport664 Buchanan road Buchanan 2323Determined
June 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (detached)1459 GEORGE BOOTH DRIVE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
May 2025
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)2 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport; Fences; Garage, carport or carparking space; Pathways and paving; Rainwater tanks; Swimming pool215 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure219 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
April 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure242 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
January 2025
- Subdivision259 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Garage, carport or carparking space1459 GEORGE BOOTH DRIVE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
2024· 15 proposals
December 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Carport; Garage, carport or carparking space19 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
October 2024
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation419 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
August 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure238 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)242B AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (internal)664 Buchanan road Buchanan 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space242 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
April 2024
- Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)242A AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)8 WIRRINA CLOSE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
March 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation1500 GEORGE BOOTH DRIVE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
February 2024
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)242C AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure10 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)2 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation6 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
January 2024
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)236 AVERYS LANE BUCHANAN 2323Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)13 KOORALBYN ROAD BUCHANAN 2323Determined
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 10.7 km away).
Coalition 35.7%Labor 64.3%
7.4 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +3.7 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Kurri Kurri (Paterson)Labor 64.2% · Coalition 35.8% TPP (2025)4.4 km away
- Gillieston HeightsLabor 58.5% · Coalition 41.5% TPP (2025)6.4 km away
- AshtonfieldLabor 65.6% · Coalition 34.4% TPP (2025)9.0 km away
- East Maitland SouthLabor 60.9% · Coalition 39.1% TPP (2025)9.3 km away
- East MaitlandLabor 69.0% · Coalition 30.9% TPP (2025)9.9 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)
- 9/10
- 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
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.