Raymond Terrace
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Raymond Terrace's population is around 15,520 as of Aug 2025. From Aug 2021 to Aug 2025, the population increased by 932 people, a growth rate of 6.4%. The 2021 Census reported a population of 14,588. This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,255 as of June 2024 and an additional 251 validated new addresses since the Census date. Raymond Terrace's population density is 141 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area (4.8%) and its SA3 region during this period.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 45.2% of overall population gains, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also positive. Population projections for Raymond Terrace are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, regional areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, Raymond Terrace is expected to expand by 2,619 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.2% over the 17 years.

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

Raymond Terrace averaged around 67 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 339 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 3 approved in FY-26. On average, 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand for housing.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $299,000 during this period. In FY-26, there have been $37.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Raymond Terrace has approximately three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 48th percentile nationally in terms of buyer choice for new dwellings.

New building activity shows a predominance of detached houses at 74.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population growth projection indicates Raymond Terrace will add 2,354 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with this projected growth. However, buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Raymond Terrace has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Tomago Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan, Raymond Terrace Indoor Sports Facility, and Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Raymond Terrace has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 9.5% as of June 2025. There are 6,215 residents employed, which is 5.8% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

The workforce participation rate is similar to the regional average at 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has a significant presence with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The resident-to-worker ratio is 0.8, indicating ample local employment opportunities.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3%, and employment fell by 5.4%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1% with a labour force growth of 0.3% and an unemployment increase of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Raymond Terrace's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Raymond Terrace had a median taxpayer income of $45,642 and an average of $55,440 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, compared to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $51,397 (median) and $62,431 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Raymond Terrace fell between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.4% of residents (4,718 people), similar to broader regional trends at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

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

Raymond Terrace's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Raymond Terrace was at 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 40.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Raymond Terrace's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.4% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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 at 9.7%, significantly 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 at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 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. A robust network of 7 schools operates within Raymond Terrace, educating approximately 2,887 students. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions across Raymond Terrace, with education provision balanced by 4 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub with 18.6 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 11.8 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Raymond Terrace has 157 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 103 different routes, together offering 2,598 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 146 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 371 trips across all routes, which amounts to roughly 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Raymond Terrace faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~7,387 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.1%) and asthma (9.8%). Conversely, 58.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.3% in Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 17.4% (2,708 people), compared to the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors largely mirror those of 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 91.1% being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 53.6%, compared to 57.4% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.9%), English (31.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.6% vs regional 0.7%), Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Maori (0.4% vs 0.3%) were overrepresented compared to the regional averages.

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

Raymond Terrace has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.6% of Raymond Terrace's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.6%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.3%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Raymond Terrace's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 3,128 people from the current 2,270. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.