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

The population of Taree Surrounds, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 13,880 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 6.4%, or 836 people, since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,044. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,457 in June 2024 and an additional 248 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 exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.8%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 87% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are utilized, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Taree Surrounds is expected to expand by 3,165 persons, representing a total gain of 19.8% 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. In FY-26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents per year arrive for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $417,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Taree Surrounds has slightly more development activity, being 19.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering buyer choice while supporting current property values. New development primarily consists of standalone homes (95.0%) and townhouses or apartments (5.0%), maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 161 people per approval.

By 2041, Taree Surrounds is projected to grow by 2,742 residents, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential increased competition among buyers as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 54 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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

Taree Surrounds has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, showing relative employment stability over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 5,641 employed residents, matching Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.7%. However, workforce participation lags at 44.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries 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 7.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as suggested by Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 0.7%, resulting in a unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 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, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Income data from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2022 shows median income in Taree Surrounds was $39,675 and average income was $48,774. This is lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By March 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.6%, estimated median income in Taree Surrounds would be approximately $43,881 and average income $53,944. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Taree Surrounds fell between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets reveal that 29.6% of Taree Surrounds population (4,108 individuals) earned within $800 - $1,499 range, differing from surrounding regions where 29.9% fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.3% of income retained, yet 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

In Taree Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Taree Surrounds was higher at 59.5%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 27.0% and rented dwellings making up 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Taree Surrounds was recorded at $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Taree Surrounds 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 make up 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 matches 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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%). Education pursuit is active among 22.5% of the population, 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. All these schools focus exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (2.5 places per 100 residents vs 13.3 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling in surrounding areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 571 active transport stops in Taree Surrounds, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 50 individual routes that together provide 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, resulting in 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% (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%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 33.7% (around 4,678 people), compared to 30.4% in the 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 where 90.1% were born in Australia, with 91.4% being citizens and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.1% of the population, slightly lower than the 57.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.8%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 8.7%, compared to 8.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 3.8%, versus 5.8% in the region. Maltese ancestry was also relatively low at 0.6%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

Taree Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Taree Surrounds is 56 years, which is notably higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly exceeds Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group comprises 20.2% of the population in Taree Surrounds, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25 - 34 cohort makes up 6.9%. This concentration of 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 grew from 9.5% to 10.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 19.2% to 17.7%. By 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. The 15 to 24 group is expected to grow more modestly at 7%, with an increase of 76 residents.