Evans Head
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Evans Head are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Evans Head's population was around 6,199 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 556 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,643. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 5,918 in June 2024 and an additional 301 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11.4 persons per square kilometer. Evans Head's growth rate of 9.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.2%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, above median growth is projected for Evans Head, with an expected expansion of 917 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Evans Head has seen approximately 18 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totaling 90 homes. In FY26 to date, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This high demand relative to new supply has led to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $478,000. In this financial year, $7.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Evans Head records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New building activity comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Evans Head's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes. The estimated count of 364 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Evans Head adding 636 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting this region: Woodburn Street Mixed-use Precinct at 17 McDonald Place in Evans Head, Iron Gates Residential Release also in Evans Head, Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan Infrastructure.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Evans Head maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Evans Head has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5% as of June 2025, which is 1.2% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

The area has 2,495 residents employed, but its workforce participation lags at 48.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance (30%), education & training (18%), and construction (12%). The area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Public administration & safety, however, is under-represented at 5.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 7.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by a decrease in labour force (-4.8%) and employment (-3.6%) from June 2024 to June 2025, leading to a fall in unemployment rate (-1.2 percentage points). In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate (0.4 percentage points). State-level data for Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Evans Head's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Evans Head was $42,267 and average income was $50,427. This is lower than the national averages of $53,981 (median) and $67,185 (average). In Rest of NSW, median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998. By March 2025, estimated incomes in Evans Head are approximately $46,747 (median) and $55,772 (average), based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Evans Head fall between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data reveals that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 27.9% of residents (1,729 people), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Evans Head, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Evans Head's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.7% houses and 29.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Evans Head was 43.6%, matching Non-Metro NSW, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented ones at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,563, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent in Evans Head was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Evans Head's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 constitute 65.2% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 has university qualification rates of 17.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 31.9%.

Educational participation is 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. Evans Head's four schools have a combined enrollment of 770 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 960) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Evans Head has 172 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 19 different routes that collectively provide 248 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Evans Head faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (around 2863 people), compared to 52.3% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health problems (9.2%), while 59.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW.

Evans Head has 29.2% seniors aged 65 and over (1813 people), higher than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some difficulties but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.6%, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (31.4%) - higher than the regional average of 26.0% - and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.4%, compared to 9.0% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry stood at 4.1% versus 2.2%. New Zealand ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.6%.

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

Evans Head has a median age of 49, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Evans Head at 16.5%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Evans Head's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 202 people (34%) from 593 to 796. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.