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 is approximately 3,455 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 30 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,425. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,453 in June 2025 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Eden's growth rate of 0.9% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Demographic trends project a decline in overall population over this period, with Eden's population expected to decrease by 281 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 109 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 FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 1.8 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. However, this figure has eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average value of $368,000.

This year, $9.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Eden shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 79th percentile nationally, though building activity has accelerated recently. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature.

With approximately 148 people per approval, Eden reflects a low-density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which could benefit potential buyers.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area, significantly influencing its performance. Key projects include Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Fenbury - Eden (Cattle Bay), Sapphire of Eden, Storey Avenue and Princes Highway Roadworks. 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 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 sectors. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 6.4%. As of that date, 1,325 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 2.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 48.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, only 8.1% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Eden showed strong specialization in accommodation & food (employment share 1.6 times the regional level), but limited presence in health care & social assistance (14.1% compared to 16.9% regionally).

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work. In the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.5%, employment fell by 4.3%, causing unemployment to drop by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eden's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income of $43,002 and an average of $51,564 among taxpayers. This is lower than the national average. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Eden would be approximately $47,440 (median) and $56,885 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Eden fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.6% of residents earn between $400 - $799 per week, differing from broader area patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 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

Eden's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eden stood at 47.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $270, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Eden's mortgage repayments were 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 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 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This difference 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+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (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

The public transport analysis shows that Eden has 53 active transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, providing a total of 274 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop. As Eden is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport is car, used by 92% of residents, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 46% (~1592 people) of Eden's total population has private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). About 57.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Eden has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.8% (1168 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even worse than 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, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity compared to regional NSW averages. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (87.7%), born in Australia (87.2%), and speaking English at home (96.4%). Christianity dominated Eden's religious landscape with 50.2% adherents, slightly below Regional NSW's 55.9%.

Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Notable differences included higher representation of Australian Aboriginal people at 5.9% in Eden compared to regional NSW's 4.6%, French at 0.6% vs 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Eden's median age is 53, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Eden has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.6%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, Eden's 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 12.8% of its population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.8%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 18.4% to 16.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Eden's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 69%, reaching 257 people from the current 151. This growth will be driven entirely by those aged 65 and above. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.