Taree Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Taree Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Taree Surrounds' population is around 13,880 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 836 people (6.4%) 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 248 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' 6.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), along with the SA4 region, 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 the 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 population numbers, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,165 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 19.8% 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, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home, based on data from FY-21 to FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $417,000, in line with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Taree Surrounds has seen slightly more development, 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New developments consist of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an emphasis on detached housing.

With around 161 people per approval, Taree Surrounds reflects a developing area. By 2041, it is expected to grow by approximately 2,742 residents. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers may be experienced as the population grows.

Taree Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 54 projects that may impact the region. Notable ones include Northern Gateway Transport Hub, Brimbin New Town, Bunnings Taree Investment Opportunity, and 121 Wingham Road Integrated 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.

Taree Surrounds has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Taree Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction.

As of June 2025, 5641 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, similar to Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 44.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety has limited presence at 4.5%, compared to the regional 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. 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' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on 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 2022 shows that Taree Surrounds had a median income of $39,675 and an average income of $48,774. This is below the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,678 (median) and $54,924 (average). The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Taree Surrounds fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 29.6% of the population (4,108 individuals) earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Taree Surrounds, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 93.6% houses and 6.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree Surrounds was 59.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented dwellings at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Taree Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Taree Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.6% of all households, including 20.8% couples with children, 40.0% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Taree Surrounds 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 at 14.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This 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 at 10.8% and certificates at 33.9%.

A substantial 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. There are 10 schools operating within Taree Surrounds, educating approximately 346 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. These 10 schools focus exclusively on primary education, while secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 2.5 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 13.3, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in Taree Surrounds shows that there are 571 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 50 individual routes. Together, these routes provide 480 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 165 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 68 trips per day, which equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Taree Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 6,370 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 57.8% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of NSW at 57.7%. As of 2021, 33.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,678 people), higher than the Rest of NSW's 30.4%.

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, as per the census conducted on the 29th of August 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population born in Australia constituted 90.1%, with 91.4% being citizens and 97.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.1% of the population, slightly lower than the 57.6% recorded across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.8%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable differences included an overrepresentation of Scottish ancestry at 8.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.1%. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was underrepresented at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 5.8%, and Maltese ancestry was also underrepresented at 0.6% versus 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, notably exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 20.2% of the population, which is stronger compared to Rest of NSW and well above the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.9% of the population in Taree Surrounds. According to the Census conducted on 10 August 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.5% to 10.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.2% to 17.7%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Taree Surrounds' age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 496 residents to reach a total of 1,996. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is expected to grow by 7%, adding only 76 residents.