Nambucca Heads Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Nambucca Heads Surrounds' population is approximately 8,457 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 355 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,102. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,409 in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Nambucca Heads Surrounds' growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.3%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth in regional areas, with the area expected to increase by 1,533 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nambucca Heads Surrounds when compared nationally

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has seen approximately 42 dwellings granted development approval annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 212 homes received approval, with an additional 8 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, each dwelling has attracted an average of 2 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $483,000. In FY-26, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nambucca Heads Surrounds exhibits similar development activity on a per capita basis, indicating market stability consistent with regional trends.

Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes. The population density is approximately 222 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Nambucca Heads Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,485 residents. Current construction pace appears adequate for supporting this growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise with population expansion.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Vista Apartments, Nambucca Heads Lifestyle Estate, Nambucca River Foreshore Walk and Cultural Way, and Main Beach Protective Seawall and Bleachers. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Nambucca Heads Surrounds has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 3849 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is 1.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was at 50.7%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level, while public administration & safety showed lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4%, labour force increased by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National unemployment was at 4.5%, with national employment growth lagging at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nambucca Heads Surrounds' employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.2% 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 aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Nambucca Heads Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $36,952 and an average of $47,953. These figures are below the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $40,869 and $53,036 respectively. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Nambucca Heads Surrounds fall between the 7th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 28.5% of the population (2,410 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.6% of income remains, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Nambucca Heads Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambucca Heads Surrounds stood at 52.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Nambucca Heads Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,400 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 versus the national average of $375.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.7% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 33.6% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.3%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Nambucca Heads Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 18.3%, significantly below 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 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. Nambucca Heads Surrounds has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 367 students. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 4.3 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 13.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 there are currently 267 operational transport stops within the Nambucca Heads Surrounds area. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 56 different routes, which collectively facilitate 738 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in this region is considered good, with residents typically residing approximately 348 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are about 105 trips per day across all routes, resulting in roughly two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant challenges in Nambucca Heads Surrounds, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~3,890 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). 62.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 58.0% in Rest of NSW. The area has 26.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,260 people), lower than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than those of the general population.

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

Nambucca Heads Surrounds, as per the census conducted on 29th June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the national average. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 89.3% being citizens and 89.4% having been born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 96.8% of residents.

Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.6% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, those with English heritage made up 33.4%, Australians accounted for 31.0%, and Scottish heritage was present in 9.0% of residents. There were variations in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginals were more prevalent at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 7.5%, Irish ancestry was slightly higher at 8.9% versus 8.7%, and Welsh heritage was present at a rate of 0.5%, just above the regional average of 0.4%.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 16.6% in Nambucca Heads Surrounds compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.7%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national figure of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.0% to 8.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 16.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Nambucca Heads Surrounds' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to increase strongly, with an expansion of 284 people (39%) from 730 to 1,015. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 3% (25 people).