Nambucca Heads
Statistical Area - sa2

Nambucca Heads has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Nambucca Heads' population is approximately 7,319 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 208 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,111. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,213 in June 2024 and an additional 204 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 235 persons per square kilometer. Nambucca Heads' 2.9% growth since census compares with the SA3 area's 4.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with Nambucca Heads expected to increase by 952 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, representing an 11.5% total increase over 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Nambucca Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Nambucca Heads has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 66 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY20 and FY25. As of FY26, there have been 9 approvals so far. On average, about 1 person per year moves to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, suggesting a balance between supply and demand, which fosters stable market dynamics.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $453,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $11.6 million have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nambucca Heads has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

Recent construction comprises 84% standalone homes and 16% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character that appeals to those seeking space, particularly families. With approximately 260 people per approval, Nambucca Heads reflects a low density area. Looking ahead, projections suggest Nambucca Heads will grow by 844 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Nambucca Heads has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are Vista Apartments, Nambucca Heads Lifestyle Estate, Nambucca River Foreshore Walk and Cultural Way, and Main Beach Protective Seawall and Bleachers. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Nambucca Heads faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Nambucca Heads has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,489 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of NSW's by 4.1%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 37.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 2.0% of Nambucca Heads's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data analysis. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nambucca Heads's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.9% 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 2022 shows that income in Nambucca Heads is below the national average. The median income is $39,093 and the average income stands at $53,671. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nambucca Heads would be approximately $43,237 (median) and $59,360 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Nambucca Heads all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 37.5% of the population (2,744 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. With 47.7% earning under $800 per week, the locality faces significant income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Nambucca Heads, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambucca Heads was 48.0%, with the rest either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Nambucca Heads was $285, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $300 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 55.3% of all households, including 14.0% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 44.7%, consisting of 41.6% lone person households and 3.2% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Nambucca Heads 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 13.9%, 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 prevalent at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (31.7%).

A substantial 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Nambucca Heads has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,229 students as of 2021. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.0 places per 100 residents vs 13.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within Nambucca Heads. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 30 individual routes. Collectively, they provide 370 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 308 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Nambucca Heads, where a range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% (3,439 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 14.3% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 51.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 58.0% across Rest of NSW. Nambucca Heads has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.0% (2,632 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 28.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Nambucca Heads had a low level of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its residents being Australian citizens and 87.3% born in Australia. Most people, 96.4%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion, practiced by 53.3% of the population.

Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented compared to other areas, with 0.2% of residents identifying as Jewish. In terms of ancestry, English and Australian were the most common, comprising 32.0% and 29.9% respectively. Irish ancestry was also prominent at 8.9%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was overrepresented in Nambucca Heads compared to regional averages, with 6.9% versus 7.5%. Scottish ancestry was also slightly higher than average at 8.4% compared to 7.5%, and French ancestry was notably more prevalent at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Nambucca Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Nambucca Heads is 56 years, which is notably higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly exceeds Australia's average of 38 years. The percentage of the population aged 65-74 is 18.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, whereas the percentage of those aged 25-34 is 8.0%. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 8.2% to 9.2%, while the percentage of those aged 55-64 has declined from 15.8% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nambucca Heads's age structure. The population aged 35-44 is projected to grow by 30%, adding 203 residents to reach a total of 881. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 age cohorts.