Taree

An assessment of population growth drivers in Taree reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Taree's population is around 21,539 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 416 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,123 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,415 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 172 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 57.2% 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,191 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Taree has averaged around 55 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 277 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 56 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $308,000. There have also been $47.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Taree has significantly less development activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 81.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 586 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Taree will gain 1,067 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Taree has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Taree Station Rail Infrastructure Upgrades, and Bushland Drive Retail Premises Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in Taree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Taree has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 7.7%. As of December 2025, 8,386 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.7% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 4.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.3% while employment declined by 2.9%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Taree. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Taree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Taree SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $43,613 and an average of $52,399 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,477 (median) and $57,042 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Taree all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (6,590 individuals), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Taree, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Taree was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 39.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.3%) or rented (34.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Taree's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 63.5% of all households, comprising 19.6% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Taree faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.8%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 463 active transport stops operating within Taree, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 60 individual routes, collectively providing 1,011 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 127 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 144 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Taree, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~9,864 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8% and 11.2% of residents, respectively, while 55.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.8% of residents aged 65 and over (5,552 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Taree was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.2% of its population being citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Taree is Christianity, which makes up 57.4% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Taree are Australian, comprising 32.7% of the population, English, comprising 31.7% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 0.2% of Taree (vs 0.2% regionally) and Filipino at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

Taree hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Taree's median age of 45 years modestly exceeds Regional NSW's 43 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (9.7% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (10.9%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.8% to 11.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.8% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Taree's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 365 people (16%) from 2,227 to 2,593. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.