Taree Surrounds

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

Taree Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 13,808 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 764 people, a rise of 5.9% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,044. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,457 in June 2024 and an additional 217 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4.1 persons per square kilometer. Taree Surrounds' growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area (3.8%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Taree Surrounds expected to expand by 3,165 persons to reach a total of 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.4% over the 17-year period.

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, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties is $305,000.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Taree Surrounds has slightly more development, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 161 people per approval, Taree Surrounds reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Taree Surrounds is projected to gain 2,814 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch identified 54 potential impactful projects. Notable ones include Northern Gateway Transport Hub, Brimbin New Town, Bunnings Taree Investment Opportunity, and Figtrees on the Manning. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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, which has an unemployment rate of 3.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 5,642 residents employed, aligning with Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%. However, workforce participation lags behind at 44.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Notably, the area has a high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 4.5% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Taree Surrounds SA2 is $39,675 and average income is $48,774. This is lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, considering a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, estimated median income in Taree Surrounds would be approximately $44,678 and average income would be around $54,924. The 2021 Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Taree Surrounds are between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.6% of the population (4,087 individuals) fall 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 9th 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 93.6% houses and 6.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree Surrounds was at 59.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Taree Surrounds was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Taree Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $310 compared to 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 account for the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.8% and certificates make up 33.9%.

Currently, 22.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.4% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, 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 indicates 571 active transport stops operating within Taree Surrounds, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 50 individual routes, collectively offering 480 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Taree Surrounds, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~6,337 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 57.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 57.7% across Rest of NSW. Taree Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 33.7% (~4,654 people), compared to 30.4% 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 91.4% being Australian citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.1%. This figure is slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 57.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.8%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher in Taree Surrounds at 8.7% compared to the regional average of 8.1%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 3.8%, while Maltese ancestry was slightly higher at 0.6%.

Taree Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Taree Surrounds is 56 years, notably exceeding Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 20.2% compared to Rest of NSW, whereas the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.9%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group 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, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.2% to 17.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Taree Surrounds's age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 34%, adding 504 residents to reach 1,996. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 7%, adding only 82 residents.