Area profile · Rest of NSW
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has an estimated 5,802 residents, little changed since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 159 kilometres north-northeast from Sydney CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 5,802 as of Aug 2026, compared with 5,804 people at the 2021 Census, indicating minimal change based on the latest ERP figure from the ABS and new addresses added since the Census. Its profile combines high outright home ownership, small average household size and a very high proportion of married families, alongside notable concentrations of residents aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and over.
The area has a high share of retirement-aged and older residents, largely couples without children, and lower education and lower-quartile income levels. Despite minimal recent population change, its population growth pattern is described as strong expansion, and sales activity is exceptionally high relative to population size.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 3,797 in 2001 and 5,786 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 5,802 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 65 to 74, 25.2%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $800 - 1,499, 32.2%.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally for sales activity and the 82nd for population growth.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is $614 a week, up 9.0% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 6% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 3.5%.
6% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $387 in 2017, $636 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $302 in 2017, $524 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 Cove Boulevard, North Arm Cove NSW 2324 | $830,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 10/21 Beach Road, Hawks Nest NSW 2324 | $362,500 | 25 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 4 Cabba Street, Pindimar NSW 2324 | $150,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 31 Muneela Avenue, Hawks Nest NSW 2324 | $700,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 4/94 Booner Street, Hawks Nest NSW 2324 | $480,000 | 16 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 45 The Esplanade, North Arm Cove NSW 2324 | $280,000 | 16 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 49 The Esplanade, North Arm Cove NSW 2324 | $175,000 | 16 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 1/26 Booner Street, Hawks Nest NSW 2324 | $640,000 | 15 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 20 Merriwa Boulevard, North Arm Cove NSW 2324 | $1,150,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 1/18 Binda Street, Hawks Nest NSW 2324 | $475,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 41 residential sales recorded since 18 Jun 2026 (the latest settled 30 Sep 2026), newest first. The median of these 41, houses and units together, was $675,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to September 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $614 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +9.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 3.5% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $903k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $686k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $675,000 | Median of the 41 most recent residential sales, settled 18 Jun 2026 to 30 Sep 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $636 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $524 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +8.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 3.6% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 4.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Port Stephens | $629 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Port Stephens, over 12 months | +7.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 98 tracked applications: 14 approved, 36 under assessment, 48 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 7 projects in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest (1 under construction) and 89 more in the surrounding area.
Single new two-storey house on Lot 7 DP270572. DA DA2025/0190 was exhibited 28 Mar-24 Apr 2025 and is now determined.
Subdivision of land into smaller lots; no new dwellings proposed (0).
Section 4.55(2) modification to DA2023/0801 for multi residential housing at the rear of the site (two two storey dwellings).
Development at 29 Myall Street involves a new single-storey dwelling with Torrens-title subdivision creating two lots.
97 m2 extension delivering a new meeting/events space (study area when not in use), amenities upgrade, access ramp upgrade, new carpet…
Demolition of existing on-land structures at Nelson Bay Marina and construction of a four-storey 122-room waterfront hotel across three…
An eight-storey luxury residential development comprising 56 apartments including two- and three-bedroom residences and penthouses, with…
High-end block of five residential apartments, six storeys, penthouse with pool, ocean views.
A 10-storey mixed-use development featuring 48 modern apartments with a mix of one to four-bedroom units, two business premises, one retail…
A proposed $188 million link road project between Nelson Bay and Fingal Bay, intended to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and safety.
Established tourism attraction and redevelopment opportunity comprising approximately 2.6 hectares of freehold land and a 13.5 hectare…
Salamander Bay's newest retail and bulky goods outlet development, featuring precast concrete panel structures with 6-meter high eaves…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 41 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 2, 2026 10, 2027 14, 2028 7, 2029 2, 2030 3, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1, 2036 2. 35 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 98 substantial development applications lodged in and around Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest over the past 5 years, 73 in the last 12 months; 36 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 4, 2022 7, 2023 3, 2024 6, 2025 6, 2026 (to Oct) 72.
Key application Port Stephens Street, Tea Gardens Mixed Use | $92m | 1 dwelling Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 98 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 73 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 5.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 65th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 30 | ABS building approvals | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 14 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 36 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 include: Tea Gardens Library Upgrade & Extension (Completed); The Belvedere (Planning); Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan (Construction); Kurrara Hill (Approved); and Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Communities, among others.
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 area has seen 39 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2's current population of 5,802 has been supported by 30 approvals on average over recent years.
The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has seen 5.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 307 people in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 30, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has grown by approximately 191 people, while 152 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.3 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,802 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | 0.0% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 28 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 21st percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 5,804 | 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | 0.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 204.32 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 was estimated to be approximately 5,802 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,786 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2 has lost approximately 2 people and shown a 0.03% decrease from the 5,804 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is estimated at 28 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% per annum.
Population growth in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is driven by: Interstate migration (71.9%), Overseas migration (28.1%), Natural increase (0.0%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 71.9% of overall population gains.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 65 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 99th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 54.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 11.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 32.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 65 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 1.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 4.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 6.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 4.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 5.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 7.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 14.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 25.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 22.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 6.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 at 65 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 65 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 65 years as at August 2026, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is 22 years older than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 27 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 22.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 4.6% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age groups are 75-84 year-olds (22.8% vs 8.2%) and 85+ year-olds (6.9% vs 2.9%). The most under-represented age groups are 0-4 year-olds (1.9% vs 5.6%) and 25-34 year-olds (4.4% vs 11.5%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 6.5% of the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 54.9% of the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 as at August 2026.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 14% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $52,532 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $64,076 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,036 | 2021 Census, weekly | 4th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $552 | 2021 Census, weekly | 6th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 9.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,255 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 37.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is approximately $55,884. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $52,532.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is approximately $68,164. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $64,076.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is approximately $55,884 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $52,532 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is approximately $68,164 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $64,076 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2's households (~32.1% / 837 households) is the $800 - 1,499 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is the $800 - 1,499 group, representing about 32.1% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $1,036/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $1,255/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $552/wk.
The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,532 and the average income stands at $64,076, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $55,884 (median) and $68,164 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $3,898 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2's disposable income is $3,898 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The employment landscape in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 32.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 1,664 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 5,526 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 1,735 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has approximately 1,664 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 stands at 4.1%, which is broadly in line with Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (19.6% of employment), construction (12.4%), and accommodation & food (10.3%). Other significant employers include retail trade and manufacturing.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is 32.8%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. The relatively low participation rate may indicate limited job opportunities or demographic factors affecting workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2 shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 19.6% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% across Regional NSW. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 4.8% decline, ranking 33rd out of 37 regions nationally.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 13.1% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 18.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 31.2% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 12.9% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 37.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 17.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 5.8% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 5.4% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
18.8% of people aged 15 and over in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
37.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2 ranks in the 15th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 are: Certificate (31.2%), Bachelor Degree (13.1%), Advanced Diploma (12.9%).
17.1% of the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 5.8% in primary school, 5.4% in secondary school, 1.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is 914, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 1 schools within the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 145 students.
The tea gardens - hawks nest sa2 includes 1 primary school.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest features high concentrations of couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.0 people | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 28.7% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 11.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 50.9% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,604 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 2,603 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 69.1% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.0 per family | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 had 2,604 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has remained relatively stable to an estimated 2,603 households today.
The average household size in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is 2.0 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 69.1% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (28.7%), group households (2.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,799 family households, couples with children account for 11.2% of all households, couples without children at home 50.9%, and single parent families 6.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 have an average of 2.0 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 59.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 17.6% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 28.7% of all households in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.3% of households, below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 17.4% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 96.0% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 89.1% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 82.6% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 3.0% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.6% of its population born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest was found to be Christianity, which makes up 66.6% of people in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest are English, comprising 35.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional NSW's 30.5%, Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.6% of Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest (vs 8.0% across Regional NSW), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).
17.4% of the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
4.0% of the population in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
3.0% of the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
89.1% of the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 18.0% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 62.1% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 88.8% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,600 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 34th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 19.9% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $350 | 2021 Census, weekly | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 33.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 98th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 35.6% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 97th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.6 per bedroom | 2021 Census |
In the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, 62.1% of homes are owned outright, 19.9% are owned with a mortgage, and 18.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 88.8% of dwellings in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 are houses.
In the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, 2.4% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 7.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 stands at 62.1%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $1,600, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is $591, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 35.6% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 33.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 is 0.6, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 35.6% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 33.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 consists of 88.8% detached houses, 7.9% semi-detached dwellings, 2.4% apartments, and 1.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest consumes approximately 13.2% of median household income ($4,486 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest show attached dwellings contributing 10% of approvals compared to 11% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 90% of applications versus 89% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 49.6% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 26th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 50.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Need help with daily activities | 8.6% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 68.3% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 3.0% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
Around 49.6% of people in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, 8.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
6.9% of people in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 6.1% of the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
8.0% of people in the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2, 49.6% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 33 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 57 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 47th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 203 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 15th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 102 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 27 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 23.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 57 public transport stops within the Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2.
The Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest SA2 has 203 weekly trips across 27 routes, averaging 29 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 257 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest pharmacy is 2.0 km away and the nearest GP 2.0 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 57 stops nearby, 203 weekly trips, access rating 33 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 57 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 57th percentile nationally |
| Nearest pharmacy | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 2.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 2.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 7.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 7.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 9.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 9.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 46 places in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest, about 2.4 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's established property market has recorded 320 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 63% residential, 4% commercial and 33% vacant land transactions.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 14% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
The employment landscape in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest features high concentrations of couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has an estimated 5,802 residents, little changed since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Sep 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (106031124). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.