Coffs Harbour - North

Coffs Harbour - North has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coffs Harbour - North's population is around 19,061 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 962 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,099 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,845 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 282 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 742 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coffs Harbour - North's 5.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,907 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Coffs Harbour - North recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Coffs Harbour - North has seen around 67 new homes approved annually, totalling 335 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $331,000. There have also been $9.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Coffs Harbour - North has 13.0% less new development (per person) and ranks within the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New development consists of 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 66.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 616 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Coffs Harbour - North is expected to grow by 1,691 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Coffs Harbour - North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, Coffs Harbour Bypass, Ocean Parade Apartments, and Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct Revitalisation, 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 employment landscape in Coffs Harbour - North shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coffs Harbour - North has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and 4.0% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,038 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.1% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.9% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. In contrast, manufacturing employs just 3.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 4.0% alongside a labour force increase of 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Coffs Harbour - North. 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 Coffs Harbour - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Coffs Harbour - North SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Coffs Harbour - North SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,467 and the average income stands at $61,355, compared to Regional NSW figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,761 (median) and $66,791 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Coffs Harbour - North all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.4% of the community (5,413 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

Coffs Harbour - North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Coffs Harbour - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.9% houses and 34.1% 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 Coffs Harbour - North lagged that of Regional NSW, at 35.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.4%) or rented (37.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $355, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Coffs Harbour - North's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

Coffs Harbour - North features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.0% of all households, comprising 21.9% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Coffs Harbour - North fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% 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 186 active transport stops operating within Coffs Harbour - North, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 87 individual routes, collectively providing 1,791 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Coffs Harbour - North is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Coffs Harbour - North faces significant health challenges, 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 relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,492 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 62.4% 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 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (4,111 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Coffs Harbour - North records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coffs Harbour - North was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 82.6% born in Australia, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Coffs Harbour - North is Christianity, which makes up 51.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.1% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coffs Harbour - North are English, comprising 30.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Coffs Harbour - North (vs 4.6% regionally), New Zealand at 0.6% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Coffs Harbour - North's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Coffs Harbour - North's median age is somewhat lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 yet modestly exceeds the 38-year national average. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 12.8% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.6% to 12.8% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Coffs Harbour - North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 91%, adding 543 residents to reach 1,138. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.