Newcastle Council rates 2026-27
OLG data uplifted by the IPART rate peg
The average residential rate in the Newcastle Council area for 2026-27 is $1,858 a year, based on 2024-25 OLG data uplifted to the 2026-27 rate peg. That's 45% above the NSW median of $1,282.
IPART has set Newcastle Council's rate peg for 2027-28 at 4.7%, from 1 July 2027. The peg caps how much the council's total rates income can grow, not each household's bill. Every NSW council's 2027-28 rate peg.
Calculate the full cost of living for your suburb in Newcastle Council
Where council rates sit in a typical Newcastle Council running cost
Last updated July 2026 · source: Newcastle Council revenue policy (OLG / IPART peg)
The 2026-27 average residential rate
This is an average across every residential property in the Newcastle Council area, not a fixed charge. Individual bills track land value, so a house on a larger or more valuable block pays more than $1,858 and a unit usually pays less. The IPART peg caps how much a council can raise in total rates income, not what any single property pays.
How Newcastle Council compares to nearby councils
| Council | Residential rate | vs Newcastle Council |
|---|---|---|
| Port Stephens Council | $1,415 | $-443 |
| Cessnock Council | $1,458 | $-400 |
| Lake Macquarie Council | $1,763 | $-95 |
| Newcastle Council (this council) | $1,858 | n/a |
| Maitland Council | $1,970 | +$112 |
Across NSW, the median average residential rate is $1,282. Newcastle Council is 45% above the NSW median of $1,282. These are average rates reported to the NSW Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg. Individual properties pay more or less depending on land value.
See how Newcastle Council compares to all 126 NSW councils, or the councils that raised rates most in 2026-27.
Researchers and journalists can reuse the open council running cost dataset, which includes Newcastle Council and states the rate basis on every row.
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Suburbs in the Newcastle Council area
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average council rate in Newcastle Council for 2026-27?
The average residential rate for a home in the Newcastle Council area is $1,858 a year for 2026-27. It's the OLG-reported average residential rate for the council, uplifted by its IPART rate peg. Individual properties pay more or less depending on land value.
How do Newcastle Council rates compare to nearby councils?
Newcastle Council's average residential rate of $1,858 is 45% above the NSW median of $1,282. Nearby, Lake Macquarie Council charges $1,763 and Port Stephens Council charges $1,415.
Why does SuburbCost show an average rate for NSW councils?
NSW councils don't publish a single minimum rate the way Queensland councils do. Instead we use the average residential rate each council reports to the NSW Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg for 2026-27.
Rates change every July
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