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

Dapto-Avondale's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 24,958. This figure represents an increase of 763 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,195. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 24,843 in June 2025 and the addition of 213 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 441 persons per square kilometer. Dapto-Avondale's growth rate of 3.2% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 4.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.6% to recent population gains, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also being positive influences.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Dapto-Avondale expected to increase by 3,197 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 16 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 recorded approximately 98 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 493 homes. As of FY26, 27 approvals have been granted. The average number of new residents per year per new home over these five years is around 0.9. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $244,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $34.9 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Dapto - Avondale records about 65% of building activity per person and ranks in the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. New development consists of 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current 85.0% houses. This denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 457 people, reflecting its low activity development environment. Future projections suggest Dapto - Avondale will add approximately 3,081 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

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. Notable projects include Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, West Dapto Urban Release Area, WestPoint Dapto, and M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Dapto - Avondale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Dapto - Avondale has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 8.8%. Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 11,164 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 4.8% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is on par with Regional NSW at 60.5%.

According to Census responses, 19.7% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of the workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Dapto - Avondale SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $55,733 and the average income stands at $66,430. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,485 (median) and $73,286 (average). From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dapto - Avondale rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 32.2% of locals (8,036 people) with an income range of $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dapto - Avondale, 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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 85.0% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dapto - Avondale was at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.4% and rented dwellings at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the time of the Census, was $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390. In comparison, Regional NSW had averages of $1,733 for mortgage repayments and $330 for rents. Nationally, Dapto - Avondale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional 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 the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.1% in 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 stops consist of a mix of train and bus services, which are serviced by 60 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 3,188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation 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

Dapto - Avondale faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area, at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,003 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Only 61.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,348 people), 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.

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, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 82.9% of residents born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 56.3%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.0%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, Macedonian (1.2% vs 0.4%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Spanish (0.7% vs 0.3%) groups were disproportionately represented compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Dapto - Avondale is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 13.8% of the population in Dapto - Avondale, compared to the Regional NSW average, while those aged 65-74 constitute 10.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of people aged 25-34 has increased from 12.3% to 13.8%, and the 35-44 age group has risen from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Dapto - Avondale. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 877 people (25%), from 3,446 to 4,324, while the 65-74 age group is expected to decrease by 100 people.