Summerland Point - Gwandalan

Population growth drivers in Summerland Point - Gwandalan are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Summerland Point - Gwandalan's population is approximately 6,920 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 428 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,492. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,915 in June 2024 and an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 753 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Summerland Point - Gwandalan's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.1% 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 released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expecting an increase of 1,269 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Summerland Point - Gwandalan among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Summerland Point - Gwandalan has granted approximately 70 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totaling 353 homes. As of FY-26, 48 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $395,000.

This financial year has seen $460,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Summerland Point - Gwandalan records 149.0% more new home approvals per capita. The area offers buyers greater choice with 87.0% standalone homes and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 74 people per approval, Summerland Point - Gwandalan reflects a low-density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,264 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Summerland Point - Gwandalan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact this region: Crangan Bay Residential Estate. Other notable projects include South East Growth Area Plan, Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, and Draft Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036. The following list highlights those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Summerland Point - Gwandalan exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Summerland Point - Gwandalan has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of September 2025, there were 3,238 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in the area is lower at 57.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 22.6% of residents work from home.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are notably high at 1.9 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented with only 4.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force by 3.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney's employment and labour force growth were 2.1% and 2.4% respectively, with an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Summerland Point - Gwandalan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Summerland Point - Gwandalan SA2's median income among taxpayers was $52,472 and average income stood at $62,433 in the financial year 2023. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,121 (median) and $67,965 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 24th percentile, family incomes at the 28th percentile, and personal incomes at the 29th percentile in Summerland Point - Gwandalan. Income analysis shows that 31.9% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile.

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

Summerland Point - Gwandalan's dwellings were 96.5% houses and 3.5% other types at the latest Census, compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Summerland Point - Gwandalan was 40.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,753, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $395, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Summerland Point - Gwandalan's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Summerland Point - Gwandalan has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Summerland Point - Gwandalan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.4%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 37.5%. Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 32 active stops operating within Summerland Point - Gwandalan. These are served by a mix of buses across 22 routes, collectively providing 230 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Summerland Point - Gwandalan is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Summerland Point - Gwandalan faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,487 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.5%). 61.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,741 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

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

Summerland Point-Gwandalan shows cultural homogeneity, with 88.9% born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion here, at 56.6%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Regarding ancestry, English (31.7%) and Australian (31.1%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 17.8% respectively.

Irish ancestry is also present at 9.2%. Notably, Maltese, Australian Aboriginal, and Hungarian ethnicities have higher representations compared to regional averages: Maltese at 1.8% vs 1.0%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.5% vs 1.3%, and Hungarian at 0.3% each.

Summerland Point - Gwandalan hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Summerland Point - Gwandalan is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Summerland Point - Gwandalan has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.0%). According to the Census conducted in 2021, the age group of 75 to 84 years increased from 7.3% to 9.8%, while the 15 to 24 age group rose from 10.8% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 12.0% to 10.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.6% to 12.2%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Summerland Point - Gwandalan's age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 29%, adding 254 people and reaching a total of 1,130 from the previous count of 875. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 54% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decrease by 5 residents.