Box Head - MacMasters Beach

An assessment of population growth drivers in Box Head - MacMasters Beach reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Box Head - MacMasters Beach's population is around 11,401 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 359 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,042 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,213 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 355 persons per square kilometer. Box Head - MacMasters Beach's 3.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.2%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected. The area is expected to grow by 596 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Box Head - MacMasters Beach according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

From FY-21 to FY-25, MacMasters Beach in Box Head recorded approximately 139 residential property approvals. This averages out to around 27 properties per year. In the current financial year, FY-26, 11 homes have been approved so far.

Over these five years, an average of 0.9 new residents was associated with each dwelling constructed. The average construction cost value for new properties is $625,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In comparison to Greater Sydney, Box Head - MacMasters Beach has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises mostly standalone homes (92.0%) with a smaller portion being medium to high-density housing (8.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 458 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate an addition of 408 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts. Commercial development activity in the area is minimal, with $922,000 in commercial approvals registered this financial year.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects include Gable Glass Room at Bream Road, Dual Occupancy Development at 84 Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong Channel Dredging Project, and Jabiru Ettalong Beach. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Box Head - MacMasters Beach rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Box Head - MacMasters Beach has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 5,469 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, significantly below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is lower at 58.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 41.2% doing so according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction employment levels are particularly notable, at 1.6 times the regional average. Finance & insurance employs only 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Box Head - MacMasters Beach's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. In Box Head - MacMasters Beach SA2, median income among taxpayers was $52,143 with average level at $71,811. This is higher than national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,763 (median) and $78,173 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Box Head - MacMasters Beach, between the 44th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.7% of residents (3,158 people). After housing, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Box Head - MacMasters Beach, as per the latest Census, 92.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Sydney metro's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Box Head - MacMasters Beach stood at 50.6%, with mortgaged properties at 37.2% and rented ones at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Box Head - MacMasters Beach was $450 compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, the mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, consisting of couples with children (31.6%), couples without children (34.0%), and single parent families (8.4%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Box Head - MacMasters Beach trail has educational qualifications that differ from Greater Sydney's regional benchmarks. In Box Head, 28.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Box Head - MacMasters Beach has 115 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 33 different routes, collectively providing 747 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 41.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 106 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Box Head - MacMasters Beach performed well in health metrics based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts had low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,259 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (10.4%) and asthma (7.4%). 65.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 32.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,747 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Box Head - MacMasters Beach, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 82.6% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.3%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.0%). French (0.7%) and Maltese (0.9%) were notably overrepresented, while Scottish (8.6%) was also higher than the regional average of 4.8%.

Box Head - MacMasters Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Box Head - MacMasters Beach has a median age of 49, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 16.6%, a notable increase compared to the national figure of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 5.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.7% to 12.8%, while those aged 85+ increased from 2.4% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 15.4% to 13.9%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 6.7% to 5.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Box Head - MacMasters Beach's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 131% (527 people), reaching a total of 930 from the current 402. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 95% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 65-74 and 25-34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.