Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's population is around 5,844 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,804 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,808 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 78.4% 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 of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 985 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 16.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest when compared nationally

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has averaged approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25159 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has attracted around 2.1 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $589,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest shows 12.0% lower construction activity per person, while it ranks among the 61st percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

New development consists predominantly of standalone homes at 81.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 19.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 247 people per dwelling approval, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts project an increase of 947 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest 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 nine projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Tea Gardens Library Upgrade & Extension, The Belvedere, Kurrara Hill, and Fingal Bay Link Road. Below is a list of those likely to be most relevant.

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

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While Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%.

As of June 2025, 1,689 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 31.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (31%), construction (24%), and accommodation & food services (18%).

Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.8% versus the regional average of 9.6%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3% while employment declined by 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's employment could grow by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest had a median taxpayer income of $45,394 and an average income of $55,209. These figures are lower than national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $51,118 and $62,171 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest fall between the 5th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 32.2% of residents earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, differing from broader area trends where earnings primarily fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only the 8th percentile nationally.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest stood at 62.1%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 19.9% and rented ones accounting for 18.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.1% of all households, including 11.2% couples with children, 50.9% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 31.2%.

School and university attendance comprises 17.1% of the community, including 5.8% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. Tea Gardens Public School serves local educational needs within Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest, with an enrollment of 145 students as of the latest data. The area offers varied educational conditions, with 1 school focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in surrounding areas from September 2021. Local school capacity is limited at 2.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.8, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 54 active stops operating within Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 220 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 257 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest 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 Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2781 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 17.2%) and heart disease (8.0%), while 50.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.3% across Rest of NSW. The area has 52.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3080 people), which is higher than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 82.6% born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 66.6%, compared to 57.4% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (35.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 9.6% versus 8.3% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and French at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's median age is 65 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 21.4% of its population, compared to 6.0% nationally and 11.9% in the Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort comprises only 4.1%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 75-84 age group grew from 18.7% to 21.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 5.1% to 6.2%. However, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 27.0% to 24.7%. By 2041, Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest's 85+ age group is projected to increase by 113%, from 386 to 823 people. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 67% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.