Evans Head

Population growth drivers in Evans Head are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Evans Head's population is around 6,082 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 439 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,643 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,918 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 11.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Evans Head's 7.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for regional areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 917 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Evans Head when compared nationally

Evans Head has averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 90 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $409,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $7.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Evans Head shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached houses than the existing pattern implies (71.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 364 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Evans Head will gain 753 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Evans Head has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Woodburn Street Mixed-use Precinct, Evans Head (17 McDonald Place), Iron Gates Residential Release, Evans Head, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, 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.

The labour market in Evans Head demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Evans Head possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,616 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (53.1% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Evans Head's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1% while employment declined by 0.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. 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 Evans Head. 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 Evans Head's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% 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

The Evans Head SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Evans Head SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,021 and the average income is $52,906, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,010 (median) and $57,593 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Evans Head all fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 27.9% of the population (1,696 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Evans Head, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 70.7% houses and 29.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Evans Head was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 43.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (29.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,563, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Evans Head's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 20.7% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Evans Head fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% 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 183 active transport stops operating within Evans Head, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 259 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Evans Head's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Evans Head residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,815 people), compared 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 12.1 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.6% declared themselves 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 29.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,799 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Evans Head placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Evans Head was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Evans Head is Christianity, which makes up 53.6% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Evans Head are English, comprising 31.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.4% of Evans Head (vs 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.1% (vs 4.6%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Evans Head hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 49, Evans Head notably exceeds the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (16.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.3%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.6% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 14.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Evans Head's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 209 people (36%) from 586 to 796. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 35.