Nambucca Heads Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Nambucca Heads Surrounds are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Nambucca Heads Surrounds' population is around 8593 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 491 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8102 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8409 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.3 persons per square kilometer. Nambucca Heads Surrounds' growth of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 5.2%, along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Nambucca Heads Surrounds expected to expand by 1573 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 18.9% over the 17 years.

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

Nambucca Heads Surrounds averaged approximately 42 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals 212 homes approved during this period, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around two people have moved to the area per new home constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating steady demand for housing.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $315,000. This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a residential focus in the area. Compared to Rest of NSW, Nambucca Heads Surrounds maintains similar construction rates per capita, aligning with broader market trends.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (97.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (3.0%), reflecting the area's traditional low-density character and preference for family homes. With approximately 222 people per dwelling approval, this further underscores the low-density nature of the market. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Nambucca Heads Surrounds is projected to gain 1,349 residents by 2041, indicating a steady pace of growth that could potentially increase competition among buyers as population increases.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely affecting the 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 list 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%. As of September 2025, there are 3,869 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 58.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 18.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area has a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety has limited presence at 4.6%, compared to the regional figure of 7.5%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.3% while employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Nambucca Heads Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

The median taxpayer income in Nambucca Heads Surrounds SA2 is $39,799 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The average income is $51,318. This is lower than national averages; Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,325 (median) and $55,865 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nambucca Heads Surrounds fall between the 7th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $800 - $1,499 bracket dominates with 28.5% of residents (2,449 people), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.6% of income remains, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Nambucca Heads Surrounds had 97.0% houses and 3.1% other dwellings at the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambucca Heads Surrounds was 52.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Nambucca Heads Surrounds was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,400 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $300.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualifications in the area at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 33.2%.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Transport analysis indicates 276 active transport stops operating within Nambucca Heads Surrounds. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 52 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 698 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 348 metres from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 96%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 18.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Nambucca Heads Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Nambucca Heads' health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is found to be extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 3,961 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.4% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Around 62.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 27.0% (2,319 people), than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 27 June 2016, showed a lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens at 89.3%, with 89.4% born in Australia and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the leading religion, practiced by 48.6% of the population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0% of the population, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 4.6%, Irish at 8.9% versus 8.8%, and Welsh at 0.5% each.

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

The median age in Nambucca Heads Surrounds is 50, which exceeds the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.6%. This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.0% to 8.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Nambucca Heads Surrounds' age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, expanding by 263 people (35%) from 751 to 1,015. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows modestly by 1% (8 people).