Taree

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

Taree's population is approximately 21,532 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 409 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,123. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,415 in June 2024 and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 172 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.2% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected expansion of 1,191 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of approximately 5.0% 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 averaged approximately 55 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 277 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.9 new residents per year arrived with each new home between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of these new homes was $308,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $47.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Taree has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and 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. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 81.0% houses. The estimated population density is 586 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Taree's quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Taree will gain 1,074 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Taree Station Rail Infrastructure Upgrades, and Bushland Drive Retail Premises Development. The following list details those 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 conditions in Taree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Taree has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance employs 1.5 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety employs 4.0%, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%. As of September 2025, unemployment rate is 7.9%. Compared to Rest of NSW, Taree's unemployment rate is higher by 4.1% and workforce participation lags at 52.4%. In the 12-month period ending May-26, labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points.

National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

The Taree SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,613 and an average of $52,399 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,477 (median) and $57,042 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Taree fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The income band of $400 - 799 captures 30.6% of the community (6,588 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Taree, the dwelling structure as per the latest Census showed 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree was at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented dwellings at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Taree was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Taree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 63.5% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (31.9%). Educational participation is high, with 28.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.1% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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

Taree has 463 active public transport stops, served by 60 routes offering 1,011 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 127 meters to the nearest stop. Most commute outward daily, primarily by car (94%). The area has a lower vehicle ownership rate of 1.2 per dwelling compared to the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.6% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 144 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per stop.

The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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

Taree faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of Taree's total population (~9,861 people), compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (11.2%), while 55.8% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Taree has a larger senior population at 25.9%, compared to 23.0% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 90.8% born in Australia. English is spoken exclusively at home by 95.4% of the population. Christianity is the predominant religion in Taree, accounting for 57.4% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.7%), English (31.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%). Notably, Lebanese and Filipino ethnicities have higher representation in Taree than the regional average, at 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively.

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

Taree's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of NSW at 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.7% of Taree's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Taree's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 17%, reaching 2,734 people from 2,344. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.