NSW · Maitland Council
Ashtonfield, 2323
Current weather
17.5°CClear sky
65% humidity · 12.2 km/h wind · 21.9° / 12.6° today · 2.5 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
In Maitland, Ashtonfield is a settled mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel and good links to the wider city. Well placed between the city and outer suburbs, it offers practical access in every direction. Tree-lined streets and leafy pockets give the suburb a noticeably green, settled character.
Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday errands and local outings are straightforward, with the wider metro area adding variety. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.
Buses and trains connect the area to surrounding suburbs, keeping the wider city within easy reach. Homes here are sought-after, with many people drawn to the lifestyle the area offers.
The desirability score is around average, weighed down by weaker safety and local dining and lifestyle amenities against similar metro suburbs, even with housing affordability and community and employment holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
Population
- Population
- 4,589
- Median age
- 39
- Median household income / week
- $2,148
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.2%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 52 of 1,616
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 65.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 121 / 91 / 3
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 · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
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 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 tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Period: January to March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 501
- Against the person
- 128
- Against property
- 240
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 109.2
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 36 residents
- State safety percentile
- 77th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +13.9%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
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 · Period: Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 2
- Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
- 1,071
- Ashtonfield Public SchoolPrimary
- Hunter Valley Grammar SchoolCombined
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 · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
69 public transport stops in this suburb
- Chisholm Rd Before Galway Bay Dr
- Hunter Valley Grammar School, South Seas Dr
- Norfolk St Opp Ashtonfield Public School
- Norfolk St Opp Ashtonfield Public School
- South Seas Dr Near Galway Bay 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 · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Roadworks & transport
2 active roadworks / incidents
- Check signage. Exercise caution. Maitland City Council is constructing a new footpath.South Seas Drive, Norfolk Street16 Jun 2026 – 07 Aug 2026
- Check signage. Exercise caution. Maitland City Council is constructing a new footpath.Adele Crescent, South Seas Drive16 Jun 2026 – 07 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
108 planning-related records
2026· 10 proposals
June 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool6 AUSTRAL CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
May 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Carport; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support61 TIPPERARY DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure23A MOLUCCA CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Demolition22 ADELE CRESCENT ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
April 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Landscaping structures17 KILKENNY CIRCUIT ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Demolition; Swimming pool3 TYRONE CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
March 2026
- Demolition; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support5 HAYMAN CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Withdrawn
February 2026
- Demolition; Agriculture50 FOUR MILE CREEK ROAD ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
January 2026
- Demolition; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support4 SOUTH SEAS DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation4A ANTRIM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
2025· 17 proposals
December 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support14 KILSHANNY AVENUE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Demolition; Horticulture3 ANTRIM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
November 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure1 SAMOA CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses6 BALI CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support9 BALI CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
August 2025
- Demolition4 DERRY CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Shed; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure121 SOUTH SEAS DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
July 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool4 MIDWAY CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
June 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure5 PALM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
May 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool33 MAGNETIC DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Demolition; Erection of a new structure6 ANTRIM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
April 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool12 BALI CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Demolition3 PALM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure31 LEINSTER CIRCUIT ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
February 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support5 ANTRIM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development69 NORFOLK STREET ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool12 BALI CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
2024· 13 proposals
December 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support3 LIMERICK CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure2 MIDWAY CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
October 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure2 KILDARE CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
September 2024
- Shed; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure4 ERIN CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
August 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Health services facility175 CHISHOLM ROAD ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
July 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support4 PALM CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
June 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Health services facility175 CHISHOLM ROAD ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
May 2024
- Demolition2 MIDWAY CLOSE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport62 SOUTH SEAS DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Withdrawn
April 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Health services facility173 Chisholm Road ASHTONFIELD NSW 2323Determined
March 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support14 KILSHANNY AVENUE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
February 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah74 BALLYDOYLE DRIVE ASHTONFIELD 2323Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure17 PITCAIRN STREET ASHTONFIELD 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 · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site · Daily open-data feed (applications from Oct 2018)
Amenities
48 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Airlie St After Palm ClBus stop
- Airlie St After Raratonga ClBus stop
- Airlie St After South Seas DrBus stop
- Ashtonfield Public School, Norfolk StBus stop
- Ballydoyle Dr At South Seas DrBus stop
- Chisholm Rd before Galway Bay DrBus stop
- Chisholm Rd before Kilkenny CctBus stop
- Chisholm Rd before South Seas DrBus stop
- Galway Bay Dr After Chisholm RdBus stop
- Galway Bay Dr Before Chisholm RdBus stop
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Parks & reserves
2 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Ashton ParkPark
- Ashtonfield ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 2
- Emergency department
- On site
- Green Hills Specialist Medical CentreChisholm Roaddoctor
- Maitland Private Hospitalhospital
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 7/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
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 · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 10
- Parks (OSM)
- 3
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 features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability Index
- Desirability score
- 45.1/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 38% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 2588th in Australia
- State rank
- 815th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #257 among Metro Sydney · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #520 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 82%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Airlie St After Palm Clamenitiesbus_stop
- Airlie St After Raratonga Clamenitiesbus_stop
- Airlie St After South Seas Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Ashtonfield Public School, Norfolk Stamenitiesbus_stop
- Ballydoyle Dr At South Seas Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Chisholm Rd before Galway Bay Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Chisholm Rd before Kilkenny Cctamenitiesbus_stop
- Chisholm Rd before South Seas Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Galway Bay Dr After Chisholm Rdamenitiesbus_stop
- Galway Bay Dr Before Chisholm Rdamenitiesbus_stop
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Maitland Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.