Dapto - Avondale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Dapto - Avondale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dapto-Avondale's population was around 25,684 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,489 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,195 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,765 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 453 persons per square kilometer. Dapto-Avondale's growth of 6.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 39.6% 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 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 applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,365 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 17 years.

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

Dapto - Avondale has granted around 98 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 493 homes. As of FY26, 20 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per new home is approximately 0.9 between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $244,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In the current financial year, $34.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Dapto - Avondale records about 64% of building activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing homes. New development in the area consists of approximately 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently dominated by houses (85.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval is 457 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Dapto - Avondale to add approximately 2,446 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Dapto - Avondale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

A total of 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, WestPoint Dapto, M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, and West Dapto Urban Release Area. The following list details those likely to be 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 Dapto - Avondale face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Dapto - Avondale has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.5% of local workers. The area's unemployment rate is higher than Rest of NSW's by 4.8 percentage points. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 61.5%.

Over the past year, labour force decreased by 0.0%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dapto - Avondale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Dapto - Avondale SA2's median income among taxpayers was $55,733 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $66,430 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively, Dapto - Avondale's incomes were higher. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median income would be approximately $60,671 as of September 2025, and average income would be around $72,316 during the same period. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Dapto - Avondale rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.2% of residents (8,270 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

Dapto - Avondale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dapto-Avondale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dapto-Avondale was 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.4% and rented dwellings at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Dapto-Avondale was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Dapto-Avondale's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Dapto - Avondale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.3% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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 Dapto-Avondale indicates that there are 191 active transport stops operating within the area. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 60 individual routes, collectively providing 3,188 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 94%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 19.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 455 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Dapto - Avondale, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~13,381 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.8%). In contrast, 61.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face significant health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (5,445 people), lower than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

Dapto - Avondale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dapto-Avondale's cultural diversity was below average, with 82.9% born in Australia, 91.6% citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated, at 56.3%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestries were English (31.0%), Australian (28.9%), Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, Macedonian was overrepresented at 1.2% vs regional 0.4%, Welsh at 0.8% vs 0.5%, and Spanish at 0.7% vs 0.3%.

Dapto - Avondale's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Dapto - Avondale is 40, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 13.8% of the local population, higher than Rest of NSW's average, while the 65-74 age group comprises 10.0%, lower than the regional average. Between 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Dapto - Avondale. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 886 people (25%), reaching 4,426 from the current 3,539. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.