Casino

Casino is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Casino's population is around 12,422 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 124 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,298 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,280 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 89 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Casino's 1.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), though growth remains modest. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, as 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 971 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Casino according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Casino has seen around 30 new homes approved each year, with 154 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $401,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $26.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Casino has 13.0% less new development (per person) and ranks in the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 86.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 282 people per dwelling approval, Casino shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections show Casino adding 829 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Casino has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Colley Park Upgrade, Casino CBD Masterplan, Casino Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project, and Northern Rivers Intermodal & Industrial Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market performance in Casino lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Casino features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,865 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs just 6.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.3% while employment declined by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Casino. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Casino's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Casino SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $47,221 and an average of $50,034 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,405 (median) and $54,467 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Casino all fall between the 7th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 29.6% of the community (3,676 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Casino is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Casino, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.2% houses and 13.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Casino was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Casino's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Casino features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 66.1% of all households, comprising 22.4% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Casino faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.1%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 291 active transport stops operating within Casino, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 63 individual routes, collectively providing 879 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 125 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Casino, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,701 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.8 and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 58.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,013 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Casino placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Casino was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 93.8% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Casino is Christianity, which makes up 63.6% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Casino are Australian, comprising 33.4% of the population, English, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 6.9% of Casino (vs 4.6% regionally), German at 3.1% (vs 3.1%) and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).

Casino's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 43, Casino is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.5%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (10.1%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.2% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Casino's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 19% (293 people), reaching 1,850 from 1,556. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.