Redhead

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

According to findings from AreaSearch, the resident count of Redhead stands at approximately 3,947 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 162 individuals (4.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,785 residents. The growth is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 3,947 in June 2025 and 290 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level yields a density of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, a figure that is generally consistent with averages observed across other areas evaluated by AreaSearch. The 4.3% expansion in Redhead since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (3.2%), positioning it as a leading growth locality within the broader region. The main driver of this population growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 81.2% of the total population gains in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 base year, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas where this dataset is unavailable, projections at the SA2 level from the NSW State Government, issued in 2022 with a 2021 base year, are applied. The growth rates for specific age groups derived from these sources are also projected forward for all locations from 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, population growth is projected to exceed the median for non-metropolitan regions in Australia, with the local population expected to increase by 583 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing an overall expansion of 14.8% over the 16 years.

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

Redhead averages approximately 20 residential building approvals annually, with a total of 101 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 8 approvals recorded in FY-26 so far. With an average influx of 1.9 new residents per completed dwelling annually over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), local demand and supply appear to be in equilibrium, support stable conditions in the market, though this ratio has risen to 6.4 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, pointing to escalating demand and a potential shortfall in supply. The average valuation of new residential builds stands at $511,000, indicating that development is oriented toward high-end, premium projects. Additionally, commercial development approvals total $1.9 million for the current financial year, which highlights a market that remains heavily focused on residential properties.

Redhead exhibits moderately elevated construction volumes when contrasted with the Rest of NSW (exceeding the regional per capita average by 29.0% over the 5 year period), which helps maintain buyer choice while underpinning existing property valuations, though the pace of building has slowed in recent times. The composition of new construction consists of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% medium and high-density projects, preserving the suburban character of the area through a focus on spacious family residences. With roughly 275 people for each approved dwelling, Redhead exhibits characteristics typical of a low density locality.

Future demographic projections indicate that Redhead will gain 583 new residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures). While new development is keeping pace reasonably well with this forecasted expansion, prospective buyers may experience heightened competition as the population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning initiatives play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 4 projects that are expected to influence the local area. The primary projects identified include Oasis Redhead, Redhead Business Park, First Creek Realignment Project, and Redhead Pump Track, with details provided on those most likely to be relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis places Redhead well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

The local workforce in Redhead is highly educated, featuring a strong representation of workers in essential services fields, alongside a low unemployment rate of 1.9%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,896, and the unemployment rate sat 2.2% below the figure of 4.1% recorded in Regional NSW, while the rate of participation in the labor force was slightly lower than the benchmark (58.4% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Data from the Census indicated that a substantial 29.0% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Conversely, the agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has minimal representation, employing 0.0% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. This mostly residential locality offers few local jobs relative to its resident workforce, as demonstrated by the discrepancy between the Census working population and the resident population.

An analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch reveals that during the 12 months ending in March 2026, the size of the local labour force contracted by 0.4% while employment fell by 1.1%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. Over the same timeframe in Regional NSW, total employment decreased by 0.9%, the labour force contracted by 0.4%, and the unemployment rate increased by 0.5 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future demand trends in Redhead. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to project future employment trajectories. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although the rate of growth varies widely by industry sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution in Redhead suggests that local employment levels will rise by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (note that this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, tax-paying residents in the Redhead SA2 recorded a median income of $59,044 and an average income of $73,199. These figures exceed the national averages and compare to median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023 yields estimated figures of approximately $65,137 (median) and $80,753 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that personal, family, and household incomes in Redhead are positioned moderately, falling between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. In terms of earnings, 26.2% of the population (1,034 individuals) are situated within the $400 - 799 bracket, which contrasts with the broader region where 29.9% are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The area shows signs of economic stratification, with 32.8% of residents in modest financial positions and 30.7% in high-earning groups. Housing costs are relatively manageable, with residents retaining 86.7% of their income, though disposable income is below the norm at the 45th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile for income.

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

The mix of housing types in Redhead, measured at the time of the latest Census, was composed of 93.3% separate houses and 6.7% alternative housing options (including semi-detached properties, units, and other dwellings), compared to Regional NSW where separate houses made up 82.6% and other dwellings accounted for 17.4%. The rate of home ownership in Redhead was considerably higher than in Regional NSW at 57.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (13.4%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was $2,300, which is significantly above the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rental cost was $420, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Redhead are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are well above the national benchmark of $375.

Redhead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households represent the majority of homes at 65.3%, consisting of couples with children at 32.2%, couples without children at 24.9%, and single parent households at 7.8%. The remaining 34.7% consists of non-family households, which are primarily lone persons at 32.7% and group housing arrangements at 1.7%. The median size of local households is 2.4 persons, which is identical to the average across Regional NSW.

Redhead shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university degree completion rates (29.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the averages of both the Rest of NSW at 21.3% and the SA3 area at 23.5%, reflecting a strong local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational and technical training is also highly prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (25.9%).

The rate of enrollment in education is high, with 30.0% of the population actively participating in formal study. This comprises 10.8% enrolled in primary schools, 9.2% attending secondary schools, and 4.2% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Public transport options in Redhead consist of 37 active transit stops, all of which are serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 9 distinct routes, which together provide 116 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with the average distance to a stop being 149 meters. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of working residents commute to other locations, and private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel at 95%. The average rate of vehicle ownership is 1.5 per household. A high proportion of residents, 29.0%, work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 related conditions).

Service frequency across all routes averages 16 trips per day, which equates to approximately 3 weekly passenger trips for each individual stop.

Redhead's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators in Redhead align closely with national averages, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. The rate of common health issues in the general population is standard, although it is higher than the national average among older age demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 55% of the population (~2,186 people) having coverage, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 9.9% and 8.9% of local residents, respectively. In contrast, 62.0% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes for residents under the age of 65 are better than average. Residents aged 65 and older make up 29.3% of the local population (1,156 people), which is higher than the 23.4% proportion in Regional NSW. Seniors face some health difficulties, and their health outcomes rank lower nationally than the rest of the local population.

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

Redhead exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with 89.5% of its residents born in Australia, 93.3% holding citizenship, and 95.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, practiced by 55.6% of residents, which is similar to the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

With respect to parentage (country of birth of parents), the three most common backgrounds in Redhead are English at 33.1%, Australian at 32.3%, and Scottish at 9.6%. In addition, there are notable differences in the representation of other nationalities: Welsh ancestry is higher at 0.9% of the population (compared to 0.5% in the region), Macedonian represents 0.6% (compared to 0.4%), and Russian accounts for 0.4% (compared to 0.2%).

Redhead hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 48 years in Redhead is older than the Regional NSW median of 43 and significantly higher than the national median of 38. The age distribution reveals a high concentration of residents in the 65 - 74 age group (15.6%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (5.7%) than in Regional NSW. The proportion of residents aged 65 - 74 is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.0% to 13.1%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 13.2% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort decreased from 5.9% to 3.8% and the 55 to 64 group fell from 13.6% to 11.7%. Demographic projections suggest the age profile of Redhead will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 141 people (36%) from 387 to 529, while the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to contract.