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's population is around 13,827 as of Feb 2026. 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 population level equates to a density ratio of 4.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Taree Surrounds's 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, which contributed approximately 87.0% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,165 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase 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 averaged around 82 new dwelling approvals annually, with 410 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $305,000. Additionally, $3.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Taree Surrounds records somewhat elevated construction (19.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 161 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Future projections show Taree Surrounds adding 2,795 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 54 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Northern Gateway Transport Hub, Brimbin New Town, Bunnings Taree Investment Opportunity, and the Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 5,564 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 4.5% of Taree Surrounds's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3% alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Taree Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Taree Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Taree Surrounds SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $41,169 and an average of $50,375 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $44,817 (median) and $54,838 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Taree Surrounds all fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents (4,092 people), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 87.3% of income retained, the 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 within Taree Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.6% houses and 6.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Taree Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 59.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Taree Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.6% of all households, comprising 20.8% couples with children, 40.0% couples without children, and 9.9% 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 of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.8%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (33.9%).

A substantial 22.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 592 active transport stops operating within Taree Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 48 individual routes, collectively providing 474 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 19.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~6,346 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.4% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 57.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,679 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.4% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Taree Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 57.1% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Taree Surrounds are English, comprising 33.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.7% of Taree Surrounds (vs 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% (vs 4.6%) and Maltese at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Taree Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 56-year median age in Taree Surrounds is notably higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 20.2% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.2% to 17.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. 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 31%, adding 476 residents to reach 1,996. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 6%, adding only 65 residents.