Taree Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Taree Surrounds are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Taree Surrounds' population is around 13,827 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 783 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,044 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,457 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 217 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4.1 persons per square kilometer. Taree Surrounds' 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.5%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected. The area is expected to expand by 3,165 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Taree Surrounds among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Taree Surrounds has seen approximately 82 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 410 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents per year arrived for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of these properties was $305,000.

In the current financial year, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the rest of NSW, Taree Surrounds has seen slightly more development, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (95.0%) and a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (5.0%), preserving the area's low-density character.

The population density is around 161 people per approval. By 2041, Taree Surrounds is projected to gain approximately 2,795 residents. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Taree Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 54 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Northern Gateway Transport Hub, Brimbin New Town, Bunnings Taree Investment Opportunity, and Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan. 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Taree Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Taree Surrounds has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, matching Rest of NSW's rate.

There are 5,642 residents employed currently. Workforce participation is lower compared to Rest of NSW, at 50.4%. According to Census data, 19.2% of residents work from home. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing stands out with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Public administration & safety has limited presence, with only 4.5% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Taree Surrounds SA2 is $41,169. Average income stands at $50,375. This contrasts 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 for Taree Surrounds would be approximately $44,817 (median) and $54,838 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in Taree Surrounds fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate that 29.6% of the population (4,092 individuals) have income within $800 - $1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 9th percentile nationally.

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

In Taree Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 93.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree Surrounds stood at 59.5%, with mortgaged properties at 27.0% and rented dwellings at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Taree Surrounds was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Taree Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Taree Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.6% of all households, including 20.8% that are couples with children, 40.0% that are couples without children, and 9.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 14.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (33.9%).

A significant 22.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Taree Surrounds indicates 592 active transport stops operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 48 individual routes, providing a total of 474 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop. The area being primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 94%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Taree Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Taree Surrounds faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~6,346 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.4% and 8.8% of residents respectively. 57.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,661 people), higher than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW.

The latest Census data sees Taree Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Taree Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.4% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Taree Surrounds, comprising 57.1% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.8%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.7%, while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 3.8%. Maltese ancestry also had a higher representation in Taree Surrounds at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

Taree Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Taree Surrounds is 56 years, which is notably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and significantly exceeds Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 20.2% of the population in Taree Surrounds, compared to the Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.9%. This concentration of individuals aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.5% to 10.8% of the population in Taree Surrounds. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 19.2% to 17.7%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Taree Surrounds' age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 34%, adding 502 residents and reaching a total of 1,996 individuals. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to grow by 7%, with an increase of 80 residents.