Sawtell - Boambee

Sawtell - Boambee is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sawtell-Boambee's population is around 20,602 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 536 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,066. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,581 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 174 persons per square kilometer. Sawtell-Boambee's growth rate of 2.7% since the census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 72.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, according to this methodology, the area's population is expected to contract by 973 persons. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 414 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Sawtell - Boambee according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Sawtell-Boambee recorded approximately 47 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 235 homes were approved, with a further 31 approved in FY26. On average, about 1.2 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these five years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes was $376,000. In FY26, $8.7 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to the rest of NSW, Sawtell-Boambee had about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranked at the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties.

This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity showed 91% detached houses and 9% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 462 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Sawtell-Boambee may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Sawtell - Boambee has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include Boambee East Residential Subdivision, Toormina Oval Upgrade, 95 on First Townhouses (Sea Esta), and Wonga Park Sawtell Playground Renewal. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

The employment environment in Sawtell - Boambee shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Sawtell-Boambee has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The area's unemployment rate was 3.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

In comparison to Regional NSW, Sawtell-Boambee had an unemployment rate 0.7% lower and workforce participation slightly below standard (55.9% vs Regional NSW's 60.5%). Census responses indicated that only 11.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 2.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 3.3% while labour force grew by 2.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Sawtell-Boambee. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sawtell-Boambee's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Sawtell - Boambee SA2 was $48,791 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $58,389 during the same period. These figures compare to regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median and average incomes in Sawtell - Boambee SA2 would be approximately $53,826 and $64,415 based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Sawtell - Boambee fall between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where similarly 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Sawtell - Boambee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Sawtell-Boambee, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sawtell-Boambee stood at 38.9%, similar to Regional NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Sawtell-Boambee was $370, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were slightly less at $375.

Sawtell - Boambee has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.6% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Sawtell - Boambee fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 21.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sawtell-Boambee has 215 active public transport stops offering train and bus services. These are served by 86 routes, providing 1,353 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically 190 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward; cars remain dominant at 94%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 11.8% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 193 trips daily, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Sawtell - Boambee are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sawtell - Boambee shows below-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (around 9,930 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Around 61.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, versus Regional NSW's 63.3%. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 24.9% residents aged 65 and over (5,125 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Sawtell-Boambee was found to have low cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of people in Sawtell-Boambee. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.2% of the population compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (9.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 4.4% compared to Regional NSW's 4.6%, Scottish at 8.6% versus 8.0%, and Maltese at 0.4%.

Sawtell - Boambee hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Sawtell-Boambee has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's median age of 43 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, Sawtell-Boambee has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (9.0% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.7% to 9.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.6% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Sawtell-Boambee's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 402 people (60%), from 671 to 1,074. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 94% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts.