At the 2016 census The Junction had a population of around 1,000.[5]
The name of the suburb is from a former coal railway junction. The Burwood Coal Company's railway ran along what is now Union St and then further south toward Merewether. Another line branched off it, at a railway junction, to run west down what is now Glebe Road. The railway closed in 1954.[6]
Education
The Junction has two schools, both of which cater to Primary students.
The Junction Public School was established in 1872 on land donated by Mr Edward Charles Merewether.[7] It suffered significant damage during the 1989 Newcastle earthquake and much of the school had to be demolished.
St Joseph's Primary School in Farquhar St is a Catholic school that was established in 1885.
Recreational Activities
Arnold's Swim Centre is located on 46 Kemp Street which offers babies classes to advanced courses.[8]