Eden

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Eden's population is around 3,533 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 108 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,425 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 37 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Eden's 3.2% growth since the census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 70.0% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 280 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 95 people.

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

Eden has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 71 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. With an average of 1.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. Development projects average $368,000 in construction value. There have also been $9.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Eden has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 79th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 148 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Eden should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Eden has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Fenbury - Eden (Cattle Bay), Sapphire of Eden, and Storey Avenue and Princes Highway Roadworks, 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.

Employment conditions in Eden face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Eden features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of 6.4%. As of December 2025, 1,325 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (48.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.1% 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 accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 14.1% versus the regional average of 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.5% while employment declined by 4.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Eden. 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 Eden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Eden SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,002, with an average of $51,564. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,812 (median) and $56,133 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Eden all fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.6% of the population (1,081 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 40.1% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

Eden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Eden, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.3% houses and 20.7% 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 Eden was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 47.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Eden's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Eden features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 63.2% of all households, comprising 17.4% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Eden 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 (14.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 53 active transport stops operating within Eden, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 274 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Eden, 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 (~1,628 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 12.7 and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 57.3% 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 33.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,196 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Eden is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Eden was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Eden is Christianity, which makes up 50.2% of people in Eden, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Eden are English, comprising 33.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Eden (vs 4.6% regionally), French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 53, Eden is considerably higher than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, Eden has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (12.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.8%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 12.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 18.4% to 17.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Eden's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 66% (96 people), reaching 243 from 146. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.