Coffs Harbour - South

Population growth drivers in Coffs Harbour - South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Coffs Harbour - South's population is approximately 11,933. This figure indicates a growth of 628 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,305. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,476 in June 2024 and an additional 423 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 354 persons per square kilometer. Coffs Harbour - South's growth rate of 5.6% from 2021 to November 2025 exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.2%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% 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 employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, Coffs Harbour - South is expected to expand by approximately 2,741 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 18.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Coffs Harbour - South when compared nationally

Coffs Harbour - South saw approximately 85 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 427 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved in FY26 up to now. On average, about 0.2 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these five years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $330,000. In the current financial year, $149.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coffs Harbour - South has seen 79.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises approximately 27.0% detached houses and 73.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current housing mix (57.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 220 people per dwelling approval, Coffs Harbour - South exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the region is projected to add approximately 2,199 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Coffs Harbour - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Elements at Coffs, TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour Campus Upgrade, Coffs Harbour Affordable Housing, and Pacific Bay Resort Studios & Village. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Coffs Harbour - South faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Coffs Harbour - South has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. There were 4,775 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1%, which is higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stood at 50.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

The area has a significant specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 5.8%. There were 1.3 workers for every resident as per Census data, indicating that the area serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding regions. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coffs Harbour - South's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Coffs Harbour - South SA2 was $45,349 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,736 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $51,068 and the average income around $65,017, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Coffs Harbour - South all fall between the 14th and 19th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 3,281 residents earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, representing 27.5% of the population, similar to the broader area where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coffs Harbour - South, with only 79.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Coffs Harbour - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.6% houses and 43.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coffs Harbour - South stood at 34.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (22.8%) or rented (42.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, matching Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,733 and $370 respectively. Nationally, Coffs Harbour - South's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 61.4% of all households, including 20.6% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Coffs Harbour - South shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 21.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high, with 31.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Coffs Harbour - South indicates that there are 92 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 145, providing a combined weekly passenger trip count of 2,111.

The accessibility of transport for residents in the area is rated as good, with an average distance of 207 meters to the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 301 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Coffs Harbour - South faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,835 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 61.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 63.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,783 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Coffs Harbour - South 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-South has a cultural diversity above average, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 13.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coffs Harbour-South, comprising 51.5%. The most notable overrepresentation is seen in Other religions, which constitutes 3.8% compared to 3.3% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.3%), Australian (27.3%), and Other (10.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Australian Aboriginal is equally represented at 4.0%, French remains at 0.5%, and Scottish is slightly underrepresented at 7.8% compared to the regional figure of 8.3%.

Coffs Harbour - South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Coffs Harbour - South's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Coffs Harbour - South has a higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (13.0%) but fewer 65-74 year-olds (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 grew from 11.3% to 12.9%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 85+ age group decreased from 5.7% to 4.1%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, Coffs Harbour - South's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35-44 age group will grow by 34%, adding 516 people and reaching 2,053 from 1,536. The 65-74 group will exhibit more modest growth of 4%, with an increase of 49 residents.