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Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Swansea - Caves Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Swansea - Caves Beach's population was around 12,559 people as of Aug 2021. By Aug 2025, the population is estimated to be approximately 13,156, reflecting an increase of 597 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,984 in June 2024 and an additional 217 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 405 persons per square kilometer. The area's population grew by 4.8% between Aug 2021 and Aug 2025, exceeding the SA3 area's growth of 2.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.3% of overall population gains during this period.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to expand by 2,622 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.6% in total over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Swansea - Caves Beach among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide
Swansea - Caves Beach has recorded approximately 97 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 487 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $698,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.
This financial year has seen $8.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Swansea - Caves Beach shows 86.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently. Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.
The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Swansea - Caves Beach will gain 2,450 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Swansea - Caves Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified twelve projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Caves Beach Ambulance Station, Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution, 42-44 Lake Road Residential Development, and South East Growth Area Plan. The following list details those most relevant:.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Central Coast Desalination Plant
A proposed 30 ML/day reverse osmosis desalination plant to be built adjacent to the existing Toukley Sewage Treatment Plant. The project will provide a climate-independent water supply for the Central Coast region during severe drought, using a direct ocean intake between Jenny Dixon Beach and Pelican Point Beach and discharging brine via the existing Norah Head ocean outfall. The plant is designed to improve water security and system resilience for up to 250,000 residents.
Caves Beach Ambulance Station
A new purpose-built ambulance station to boost frontline emergency care and improve emergency response times across Lake Macquarie, servicing Caves Beach, Swansea, and surrounding communities including Nords Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Murray's Beach, and Cams Wharf. The site at Kayuga Close has been secured, and the project is proceeding with design development and planning approval. It is part of the NSW Government's $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution
A permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel, the entrance to Lake Macquarie, involving a Beaver 30 dredge vessel and sand transfer system to maintain safe navigation for vessels, with sand pumped to Blacksmiths Beach. The project includes upgrades to the Blacksmiths boat ramp and aims to address ongoing sand accumulation issues.
Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System
Multi-stage program to maintain safe navigation in Swansea Channel and deliver a permanent dredge and sand transfer system. Stage 3 maintenance dredging occurred in mid-2025 focusing on the Dog Leg, while Council has awarded a $7.4m tender to supply a Beaver 30 dredge and associated sand transfer system. Installation is scheduled from late 2025 to mid-2026, with commissioning targeted for mid-2026. Transport for NSW will operate the system for at least five years, with dredged sand to nourish Blacksmiths Beach.
Pelican Foreshore Stabilisation Project
Comprehensive coastal erosion management project addressing foreshore stabilization at Pelican through rock groyne construction, sand nourishment, and protective structures. Part of Lake Macquarie's Coastal Management Program to protect emergency and recreational assets from ongoing erosion in the dynamic Lake Macquarie channel environment. The project includes multiple precincts with works to stabilize the foreshore, protect community infrastructure, and maintain public access to the waterfront.
Crangan Bay Residential Estate
A 623 lot masterplanned environmentally inspired residential estate on the Central Coast, surrounded by National Parks and enjoying nearly 1 km of lakefront reserve on Lake Macquarie. The estate offers large, easy-to-build fully serviced home sites with stages being released progressively. Stages 1 and 2 are complete and registered. Stage 3/4 is completed with registration in progress, and Stage 5 is currently selling off the plan with registration due late 2026. The estate includes a children's playground, community spaces, and a lakeside boardwalk/pathway. Project updates are as current as July 2025.
Rathmines Park Transformation
Comprehensive redevelopment of Rathmines Park into a regional recreation destination. Features a $2+ million transformation including Lake Macquarie's biggest skate park, new pump track, youth activity areas, upgraded playground equipment, new playground, learn-to-ride area, youth hub, sports facilities, walking trails, and waterfront amenities. Enhanced connection to Lake Macquarie foreshore with improved accessibility and parking.
Salts Bay Littoral Rainforest Protection and Enhancement Works
Rehabilitation of endangered littoral rainforest ecosystem at Swansea Heads through targeted weed control, erosion management, and revegetation. The project addressed invasion of transformer weeds, urbanization impacts including rubbish dumping, and track erosion from unauthorized public access. Works included planting over 1,000 native species, installation of fencing to formalize access points, and comprehensive bush regeneration to protect this rare coastal ecological community. The project was supported by the NSW Coast and Estuary Grant Program and involved collaboration with OzFish Unlimited, Landcare NSW, and Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council. Supporting infrastructure improvements included sealing of Salts Bay Road and construction of a car park to improve controlled access while protecting the sensitive ecosystem.
Employment
Employment performance in Swansea - Caves Beach has been broadly consistent with national averages
Swansea - Caves Beach has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. In June 2025, 6,023 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 52.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The area has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Swansea - Caves Beach's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
Swansea - Caves Beach had a median taxpayer income of $49,401 and an average of $67,231 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly above the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,630 (median) and $75,709 (average). In 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Swansea - Caves Beach ranked modestly, between the 26th and 30th percentiles. Distribution data showed that 27.3% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (3,591 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Swansea - Caves Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Swansea - Caves Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swansea - Caves Beach stood at 45.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented ones at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Swansea - Caves Beach has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 72.0% of all households, including 26.6% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Swansea - Caves Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
The area's university qualification rate of 19.3% is significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.
The area's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,606 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1001).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Swansea's public transport analysis indicates 144 active stops operating in Caves Beach area, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by 25 individual routes that together facilitate 698 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 190 meters to the nearest stop.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 99 trips per day, translating to approximately four weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Swansea - Caves Beach is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Swansea - Caves Beach faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.
The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 53% (~7,025 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.6%). In contrast, 60.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.7% (3,648 people) compared to the Rest of NSW's 21.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Swansea - Caves Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Swansea-Caves Beach had a below average cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 55.1%, compared to 52.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.8%).
Welsh (1.0%) and Scottish (8.6%) were notably overrepresented, while Maltese (0.6%) was underrepresented compared to regional averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Swansea - Caves Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Swansea - Caves Beach has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Swansea - Caves Beach at 14.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 10.9% and the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.1%. Between January 2021 and January 2022, the proportion of the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 9.6% to 11.1%, while the 45 to 54 age cohort decreased from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Swansea - Caves Beach's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 435 people (a 36% increase) from 1,219 to 1,655, while the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease by approximately 0 people.