Eden

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

Eden's population was around 3,533 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 108 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,425 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 37 persons per square kilometer. Eden's growth rate of 3.2% since the census positioned it within 0.2 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicated an overall population decline over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 280 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to increase 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 recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 71 homes. In FY26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. An average of 1.8 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. This figure has eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years due to better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average value of $368,000.

In terms of commercial investment activity, $9.6 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to Rest of NSW, Eden shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 79th percentile nationally, with building activity accelerating in recent years. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Eden's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 148 people per approval, Eden reflects a low density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Fenbury - Eden (Cattle Bay), Sapphire of Eden, and Storey Avenue and Princes Highway Roadworks. 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.

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

Eden's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominence in tourism and hospitality. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. As of September 2025, Eden has 1,330 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 9.0% (compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%), and workforce participation at 48.3%, lower than the regional average of 61.5%.

According to Census data, only 8.1% work from home. Dominant sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable specialization in accommodation & food (1.6 times regional level) but limited presence in health care & social assistance (14.1%, compared to 16.9% regionally). Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.4%, employment fell by 5.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Eden's employment mix suggests local growth should be around 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Eden SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,002 and an average of $51,564. This is lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had a median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Eden's median income will be approximately $46,812 and average $56,133. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Eden fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.6% of residents earn between $400 and $799 weekly, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 to $2,999 is dominant at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.1% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of the area. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Eden, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eden was at 47.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Eden was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Eden was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Eden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 comprise 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 make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households accounting for 33.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, 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 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 30.8%.

Educational participation is 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

Eden has 53 active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, collectively facilitating 274 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 231 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.1% of residents work from home, which 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

Eden faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% of Eden's total population (around 1,628 people), compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). Conversely, 57.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. Eden has a higher proportion of seniors, with 33.5% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,183 people), compared to 23.0% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than those of the general population nationally.

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

Eden has below 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 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.9% in Eden versus 4.6% regionally; French representation is also higher at 0.6% compared to 0.4%, and Hungarian representation is slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Eden's median age is 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Eden has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 17.0%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 7.7%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 12.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.4%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 18.4% to 17.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Eden's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 69%, reaching 243 people from 143 currently. This growth will be entirely due to the aging population dynamic, 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 see reduced numbers.