Sussex Inlet - Berrara

Population growth drivers in Sussex Inlet - Berrara are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sussex Inlet - Berrara's population is around 5029 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 335 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4694 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4879 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 239 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 124 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Sussex Inlet - Berrara's 7.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.7%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 90.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1032 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sussex Inlet - Berrara when compared nationally

Sussex Inlet - Berrara has seen approximately 41 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 206 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand, with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $478,000.

This financial year has seen $1.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a primarily residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Sussex Inlet - Berrara has slightly more development, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 194 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sussex Inlet - Berrara is expected to grow by 880 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sussex Inlet - Berrara has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Sussex Inlet Golf Village, St Georges Basin, Berrara, Swan Lake Coastal Management Program, Seniors Housing Suncrest Avenue, and Bay and Basin NSW Ambulance Station. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Sussex Inlet - Berrara has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sussex Inlet - Berrara has a balanced workforce with white collar and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of June 2025.

This is 0.2% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in the area was 36.2%, significantly lower than the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% of local workers, below the Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 2.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of NSW saw a slight employment decline of 0.1% with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sussex Inlet - Berrara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Sussex Inlet - Berrara SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $37,779 and an average of $47,621 in the financial year 2022. This was below the national averages of $52,897 (median) and $70,324 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Sussex Inlet - Berrara would be approximately $42,543 (median) and $53,626 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in this area fell between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that 35.7% of residents earned between $400 - $799 weekly, compared to 29.9% in the broader region earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Economic circumstances indicated financial pressure, with 44.8% of households having modest weekly budgets below $800 after housing costs. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remained, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Sussex Inlet - Berrara, as per the latest Census, 88.0% of dwellings were houses while 12.0% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sussex Inlet - Berrara stood at 60.7%, with mortgaged properties at 20.8% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,504, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in the area was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Sussex Inlet - Berrara's median mortgage repayment of $1,504 is significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and its median rent of $310 is substantially below the national figure of $375.

Sussex Inlet - Berrara features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.3% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Sussex Inlet - Berrara faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (36.8%).

A substantial 20.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.2% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 133 active transport stops operating within Sussex Inlet-Berrara area. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 10 individual routes providing a total of 172 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Sussex Inlet - Berrara is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Sussex Inlet - Berrara faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,313 people, compared to 49.3% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent, impacting 15.7% and 8.7% respectively.

However, 51.7% report no medical ailments, lower than the 59.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 42.4%, or around 2,133 people, compared to 27.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly similar to the general population's health profile.

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

Sussex Inlet-Berrara, surveyed in 2016, had a low cultural diversity: 89.4% were citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 96.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (59.6%), slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 52.6%. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.0%), Australian (31.2%), and Irish (9.0%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented (0.8% vs regional 0.6%), while Australian Aboriginal (3.0%) and Scottish (8.0%) were underrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.4% and 8.1%, respectively.

Sussex Inlet - Berrara ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Sussex Inlet - Berrara's median age as of 2021 was 61 years, notably higher than Rest of NSW's 43 and Australia's national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constituted 22.3% of the local population, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average and well above the national average of 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 13.9% to 14.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sussex Inlet - Berrara's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 207 people (77%), from 269 to 477. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to decrease by 30 people.