Anna Bay
Statistical Area - sa2

Anna Bay lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Anna Bay's population was around 6,817 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure indicates a growth of 368 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,449. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,791 in June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 100 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person for potential development. Anna Bay's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (4.8%) and the SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Anna Bay, with an expected expansion of 2,346 persons by 2041. This represents a total increase of 34.0% over the 17-year period, placing it in the top quartile of national regional areas.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Anna Bay when compared nationally

Anna Bay has averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 126 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Each home built, on average, accommodates 5 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $572,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial development approvals reached $14.3 million, showing moderate levels of commercial growth compared to the rest of NSW. Anna Bay has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to other areas in NSW and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally for assessed areas. New building activity consists of approximately 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options and creating diverse housing opportunities across various price brackets.

This shift reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (87.0%). Anna Bay has around 335 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. By 2041, population forecasts project an increase of approximately 2,320 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Anna Bay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism Transport Interchange, The Bay Resort, 36 Port Stephens Drive Residential Development, and Anna Bay Strategy and Town Plan. Relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The employment landscape in Anna Bay presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Anna Bay has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of June 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Residents' workforce participation stands at 49.4%, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Key employment sectors in Anna Bay are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times higher than the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, has limited presence, accounting for only 1.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, and employment declined by 4.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.8%. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, while the state's unemployment rate was 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 4.5% with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Anna Bay's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Anna Bay's median income among taxpayers was $43,274 with an average of $57,641. This is lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,861 (median) and $63,751 (average). Census data shows Anna Bay's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 26.7% of residents (1,820 people) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. Anna Bay's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Anna Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Anna Bay, as per the most recent Census data, 86.9% of dwellings were houses while 13.1% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Anna Bay was higher at 53.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 29.5% and rented ones 16.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area stood at $1,842, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent was recorded as $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $360. Nationally, Anna Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $375.

Anna Bay has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.1% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households making up 25.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Educational outcomes in Anna Bay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 47.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 34.7%. Currently, 24.8% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Anna Bay Public School and Bobs Farm Public School serve a total of 352 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) offering balanced educational opportunities. These two schools cater exclusively to primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas. The area has limited local school capacity, with only 5.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.8, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Anna Bay has 99 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 48 different routes that together facilitate 460 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 182 meters from the nearest stop.

Each day, an average of 65 trips depart from these stops, which equates to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Anna Bay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Anna Bay faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (around 3,333 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health problems (8.5%), with 60.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 59.3% in the Rest of NSW. Anna Bay has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 34.6% (2,362 people), compared to 28.1% in the Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Anna Bay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Anna Bay's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.9% born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.5%, compared to 57.4% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.8%).

Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and Maltese (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively. Maori representation was also higher at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.3%.

Anna Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Anna Bay is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and also notably above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group is over-represented in Anna Bay at 18.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.0%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.9% to 3.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 12.7% to 10.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.2% to 15.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Anna Bay. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 66%, adding 581 residents to reach 1,466. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends in the area. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is forecasted to grow by a modest 2%, with an increase of 18 people.