Swansea - Caves Beach

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 approximately 13,169 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 610 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,559. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the population reached 12,987 by June 2024 and there were additional 219 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 406 persons per square kilometer. The area's 4.9% growth since the Census exceeded the SA3 average (4.0%), indicating it as a regional growth leader, primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 64.3% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the area is expected to grow above median regional population growth rates and expand by 2,622 persons to reach approximately 15,791 in 2041, reflecting an 18.5% increase over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Swansea - Caves Beach among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Swansea - Caves Beach recorded approximately 97 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 487 homes. In FY26 so far, 34 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value of new dwellings is $480,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $8.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Swansea - Caves Beach exhibits 86.0% higher building activity per person than the rest of NSW, providing buyers with more options, although recent construction activity has decreased. Detached houses make up 90.0% of recent constructions, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, confirming its low-density market status.

By 2041, population forecasts estimate an increase of 2,437 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Swansea - Caves Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified twelve projects that could impact the local area. These include 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 considered 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.

Employment performance in Swansea - Caves Beach has been broadly consistent with national averages

Swansea - Caves Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, which is below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%.

There were 6,064 residents in work while workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 57.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. A high proportion of residents, 28.0%, worked from home based on Census responses. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0% and labour force increased by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Swansea - Caves Beach's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Swansea - Caves Beach SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $52,858 and an average income of $68,743 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,541 (median) and $74,834 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Swansea - Caves Beach rank modestly, between the 25th and 30th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 27.3% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,595 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Swansea - Caves Beach, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.2% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had a structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swansea - Caves Beach stood at 45.5%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (32.5%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,080, which is higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Swansea - Caves Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Swansea - Caves Beach has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

Swansea - Caves Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 31.0%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.4% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Swansea - Caves Beach indicates there are 168 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 25 individual routes collectively providing 711 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 190 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 28% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 101 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Swansea - Caves Beach'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

Swansea's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~7,019 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.6%). A total of 60.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,651 people), higher than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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 has a population with 88.5% born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 55.1%. This figure is similar to the regional average of 55.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Welsh ancestry is higher at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Scottish is at 8.6% versus 8.0%, and Maltese is at 0.6% compared to 0.4%.

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. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Swansea - Caves Beach, making up 14.8% of the local population compared to the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.1%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 11.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Swansea - Caves Beach's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 36%, expanding from 1,220 people in 2021 to 1,655 people in 2041. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 15 to 24 age range is projected to decrease.