Eden
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Eden's population is approximately 3,549, reflecting a growth of 124 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,425. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 as of June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 37 persons per square kilometer. Eden's growth rate of 3.6% since the 2021 census is higher than that of its SA3 area at 2.3%, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data is not available, 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. Projections indicate a decline of 280 persons by 2041, but an increase of 95 people in the 85 and over age group is anticipated during this period.

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 approximately 11 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, there were a total of 59 homes approved. In the current financial year FY26, one dwelling has been approved so far. On average, over these five years, 1.8 new residents have been associated with each dwelling constructed.

However, this figure has recently eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $370,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This year, there have been $9.6 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Eden shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, when measured against other areas assessed, Eden places among the 79th percentile for development activity, though there has been a pickup in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached houses 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. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Eden may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Eden has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension, Fenbury - Eden (Cattle Bay), and Sapphire of Eden. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Eden's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 7.3% as of June 2025.

Of the 1,332 residents employed, the unemployment rate was 3.7%, higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Eden was 44.4%, lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (14.1%), retail trade, and accommodation & food (28.9%). The area specializes in accommodation & food employment, which is 1.6 times the regional level.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Eden's labour force decreased by 3.6% while employment declined by 5.5%, raising unemployment by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, with a labour force growth of 0.3%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW's employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from May 2025 project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eden's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Eden had a median taxpayer income of $41,129 and an average income of $51,051. Nationally, the median was $49,459 and the average was $62,998. In Rest of NSW, these figures were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By March 2025, estimates suggest Eden's median income will be approximately $45,489 and the average $56,462, based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census figures from 2021 indicate household, family, and personal incomes in Eden fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.6% of Eden's population (1,085 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 range, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 40.1% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Eden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Eden, as per the latest Census, dwelling structures consisted of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eden was at 47.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Eden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Eden features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 17.4% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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 at 14.5%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents 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 are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high at 26.3%, including primary education at 10.2%, secondary education at 7.8%, and tertiary education at 1.8%. Eden Marine High School and Eden Public School serve a total of 790 students. The area functions as an educational hub with 22.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Eden's public transport analysis shows 55 active stops, served by buses. These are covered by 22 routes offering 332 weekly trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 219 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 47 trips across all routes, equating to about six weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Eden is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Eden faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover in Eden is low at approximately 46% (~1,646 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%), while 57.3% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 59.6%. Eden has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 33.5% (1,188 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 31.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Eden are better than those for 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 has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Eden, making up 50.2% of people, compared to 49.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups are English (33.4%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are overrepresented at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Additionally, French people make up 0.6% of Eden's population versus 0.4% regionally, and Hungarian people comprise 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Eden's median age in 2021 was 53, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Eden had a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.7%). This 65-74 concentration was well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Eden's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 9.6% to 12.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.4% and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 18.4% to 17.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Eden's age structure. Notably, the 85+ population is projected to grow by 69%, reaching 243 people from 144, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.