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 21,467 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 344 people 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 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 171 persons per square kilometer. Taree's 1.6% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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. Examining 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 5.3% 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 approximately 55 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 277 homes. As of FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.9 new residents have arrived per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes has been $308,000.

This financial year has seen $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 to high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 81.0% houses, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 586 people, indicating a quiet development environment.

Population forecasts suggest Taree will gain 1,139 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 projections.

Taree has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are likely to impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects include Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, Taree Station Rail Infrastructure Upgrades, and Bushland Drive Retail Premises Development. The following list details those likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.9% as of an unspecified date.

As of September 2025, 8,484 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is 0.3 percentage points higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Taree is lower at 45.6% compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The primary industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.5 times more residents than the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety employs only 4.0% of local workers, below the Rest of NSW's 7.5%. Many Taree residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, Taree's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 $41,339 and an average income of $50,366 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,552 (median) and $56,717 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Taree fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 captures 30.6% of the community (6,568 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Taree's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree was at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Taree was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 63.5% of all households, including 19.6% that are couples with children, 27.0% that are couples without children, and 15.6% that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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, comprising 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 434 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 62 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,055 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 127 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 150 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 9,917 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8% and 11.2% of residents respectively. However, 55.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 57.7% in Rest of NSW. In Taree, 25.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (5,553 people), which is lower than the 30.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader 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 citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. The majority religion in Taree is Christianity, comprising 57.4% of the population, similar to the Rest of NSW at 57.6%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (32.7%), English (31.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%) are the top three groups represented.

Notably, Lebanese and Filipino ethnicities are overrepresented in Taree compared to regional averages, with 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively.

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

Taree's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group has strong representation in Taree at 9.7%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 10.8% to 11.8% of Taree's population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Taree is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 396 people and reaching a total of 2,734 from the previous figure of 2,337. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to see population declines.