Anna Bay

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 approximately 6,817 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 368 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,449. The change 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 population density ratio of 100 persons per square kilometer. Anna Bay's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.1%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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

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

Anna Bay averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 126 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated around 5 new residents. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and intensifying competition among buyers.

The average construction cost for new properties is $390,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals reached $14.3 million, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Anna Bay records around 62% of building activity per person and ranks in the 51st percentile nationally for areas assessed. New building activity comprises approximately 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options.

This shift reflects reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, contrasting with the current housing mix of 87.0% houses. Anna Bay has around 335 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 2,320 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Anna Bay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight such projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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 detailed below.

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

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The employment landscape in Anna Bay presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Anna Bay's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. As of September 2025, 2,848 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%.

This rate is 1.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation lags at 49.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.3% compared to 5.3% regionally. Labour force decreased by 2.4% over a 12-month period, accompanied by an employment decrease of 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points.

Meanwhile, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years in Anna Bay, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Anna Bay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,274 and an average level of $57,641. These figures are below the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $48,731 (median) and $64,910 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Anna Bay fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 26.7% of locals (1,820 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this category. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 20th 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

Anna Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Anna Bay stood at 53.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 16.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Anna Bay was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Anna Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average in 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 common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (34.7%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 48 different routes. Together, these provide 460 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 182 meters. On average, there are 65 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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% of the total population (~3,333 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health concerns (8.5%), while 60.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW figure at 59.3%. Anna Bay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 34.6% (2,362 people), compared to 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some difficulties 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, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 84.9% born there, and 90.7% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 97.0%. Christianity was the dominant religion at 55.5%, slightly lower than the regional average of 57.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (9.8%). Notable differences existed in Welsh, Maltese, and Maori populations: Welsh was 0.7% compared to a regional 0.7%, Maltese at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Maori at 0.6% against 0.3%.

Anna Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Anna Bay is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably 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 average 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 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.2% to 15.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Anna Bay, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 66%, adding 581 residents to reach 1,466. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging demographic. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 2%, with an increase of 18 people.