Raymond Terrace

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Raymond Terrace's population is around 15,502 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 914 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,588 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,255 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 141 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Raymond Terrace's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.5%) 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 45.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for regional areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,619 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Raymond Terrace when compared nationally

Raymond Terrace has averaged around 67 new dwelling approvals each year, with 339 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 19 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $236,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $37.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Raymond Terrace has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity shows 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 445 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Raymond Terrace adding 2,372 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Raymond Terrace 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, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Raymond Terrace Indoor Sports Facility, Tomago Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan, and Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program, 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.

Employment conditions in Raymond Terrace face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Raymond Terrace features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 9.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,323 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.2% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.2% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.7% combined with employment decreasing by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. 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 Raymond Terrace. 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 Raymond Terrace's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Raymond Terrace SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $49,089 and an average of $58,712 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,438 (median) and $63,914 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Raymond Terrace all fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.4% of residents (4,712 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Raymond Terrace, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Raymond Terrace lagged that of Regional NSW, at 28.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (40.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Raymond Terrace's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Raymond Terrace has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.4% of all households, comprising 24.7% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Raymond Terrace 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 (9.7%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (33.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 167 active transport stops operating within Raymond Terrace, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 103 individual routes, collectively providing 2,284 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 326 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Raymond Terrace, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,502 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 13.1% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 58.0% declared themselves as 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 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,712 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Raymond Terrace was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.1% of its population being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Raymond Terrace 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 Raymond Terrace are Australian, comprising 31.9% of the population, English, comprising 31.1% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Raymond Terrace (vs 0.5% regionally), Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%) and Maori at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Raymond Terrace's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 37-year median age in Raymond Terrace is considerably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.9%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (5.7%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Raymond Terrace's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 816 people (35%) from 2,311 to 3,128. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.