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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in The Entrance is $1.36m, with units at $725k. House values have moved 2.5% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
The Entrance has an estimated 16,346 residents, up from 15,839 at the 2021 Census — a change of 507 people, or 3.2%. 130 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 1,179 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluation by AreaSearch, The Entrance records an estimated population of 16,346 as of Aug 2026, marking an addition of 507 people (3.2%) relative to the 15,839 people tallied at the 2021 Census. This adjustment draws on an ABS estimated resident population figure of 16,336 as of June 2025 alongside 130 validated new addresses identified following the Census. The local density stands at 1,179 persons per square kilometer, tracking closely with broader benchmarks tracked by AreaSearch. Furthermore, the 3.2% post-census uptick trails the wider SA4 region (3.4%) by just 0.2 percentage points, reflecting steady underlying growth dynamics that have been predominantly underpinned by overseas migration, which generated roughly 84.0% of net population additions in recent times.
SA2 projections published in 2024 by ABS/Geoscience Australia utilizing a 2022 baseline are incorporated by AreaSearch, while NSW State Government SA2 forecasts issued in 2022 with a 2021 base year supply coverage wherever gaps exist. Age-specific trajectory rates derived from these datasets are extended across all localities from 2032 to 2041. Under this modeling framework, the aggregate population is projected to contract by 819 persons by 2041. In contrast to this overall reduction, senior demographics are slated for expansion, most notably the 85 and over age group, which is forecast to gain 618 people. Detailed age-bracket breakdowns are provided in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
563 new dwellings have been approved in The Entrance over the past five years, an average of 112 a year. That places the area in the 66th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 112 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 32% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Over the preceding 5 financial years (covering FY-22 and FY-26), residential approvals within The Entrance have averaged approximately 112 new homes annually, amounting to 563 homes overall. With construction yielding an average of only 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling over these 5 financial years, residential building activity remains sufficient to match or outstrip local demand, unlocking substantial choice for buyers and expanding capacity beyond baseline demographic projections. Approved residences carry an average construction cost of $498,000, alongside $2.3 million in commercial development approvals registered this financial year, underlining the district's predominantly residential character.
Per capita building approvals in The Entrance outpace Greater Sydney by 64.0%, affording prospective purchasers an extensive selection of dwellings. The pipeline comprises 32.0% detached houses and 68.0% attached dwellings, creating accessible entry points that cater to first-time buyers, downsizers, and property investors seeking medium-density options. With roughly 146 people per dwelling approval, the locality maintains low-density development metrics. Subdued or contracting demographic projections may alleviate housing demand pressure across The Entrance, fostering advantageous purchasing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around The Entrance
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects inside The Entrance, worth an estimated $76 million. A further 119 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $17.8 billion. 29 are already under construction and 53 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Public investment, major developments, and community infrastructure play a central role in shaping local urban growth. AreaSearch has highlighted 9 key pipeline projects expected to influence the district, including the Vera's Water Garden Upgrade, The Grant McBride Baths Upgrade, Lakeside Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and The Entrance Waterfront Plaza Accessible Playspace.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tuggerah Lakes Dredging and Entrance Management Program
A major flood mitigation, environmental restoration, and channel realignment program including extensive dredging of The Entrance Channel, sand nourishment for local foreshores, and pilot channel management to improve lake tidal exchange and reduce flood risks for surrounding lake communities.
Long Jetty Town Centre Masterplan Implementation
An urban revitalisation and public domain framework guiding streetscape beautification, pedestrian priority upgrades, parking optimization, traffic calming, and commercial precinct renewals along The Entrance Road corridor in Long Jetty. Recent works feature foreshore amenity upgrades including modern smart-lock public facilities at Archbold Road and Gladstan Avenue.
Lakeview Long Jetty Seniors Living
A premium strata-titled luxury over-55s residential living project featuring 80 spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments situated on the shores of Tuggerah Lake, directly connected under cover to Diggers The Entrance and nearby lifestyle amenities.
Vera's Water Garden Upgrade
Upgrading Vera's Water Garden to a zero-depth design to improve safety, accessibility, and reduce ongoing maintenance.
The Grant McBride Baths Upgrade
Works are progressing on the clubroom upgrade, new pipes, new pumps and shade sails at The Grant McBride Baths.
Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay Redevelopment
A $148 million comprehensive redevelopment of the Nareen Gardens aged care precinct. Stage 1 is under construction to deliver new independent living apartments and shared amenities. The full masterplan delivers 182 independent living apartments and a 160-place residential aged care home, featuring modern community health, wellness, and leisure facilities.
The Entrance Waterfront Plaza Accessible Playspace
An upgrade to the playspace at The Entrance Waterfront Plaza to make it more inclusive with an accessible swing for wheelchair users, new shade sails and general aesthetic improvements.
Bateau Bay Town Centre Masterplan
Central Coast Council's Bateau Bay Town Centre Masterplan establishes a strategic framework for revitalising the civic and commercial heart of Bateau Bay. The project includes enhanced pedestrian links, active streetscapes, multi-use community spaces, and upgraded traffic and transport infrastructure around Bay Village. It creates an accessible, vibrant commercial and recreational destination for the coastal community.
7,439 residents of The Entrance are employed, from a labour force of 7,907. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, with participation at 55.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 14,102, about 86% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market features a skilled talent base anchored by essential service industries, characterized by an unemployment rate of 5.9% and a 3.4% annual rise in estimated employment. As of March 2026, employed residents total 7,439, while local unemployment sits 1.8% above the 4.1% recorded for Greater Sydney. Labor market participation stands at 55.8%, trailing the metropolitan mark of 68.9%. Census records indicate that 26.9% of local workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade represent the primary areas of employment for residents.
Notably, construction exhibits significant concentration locally, generating workforce representation at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 4.7% of local employment against 11.5% regionally. Comparing Census resident workers to local workplace figures highlights the district's residential orientation, with relatively modest commercial employment bases on-site. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM figures indicates parallel 3.4% expansions across both total employment and the active labour force over the 12-month period, keeping the local unemployment level stable. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment and labour force metrics both advance by 1.9%, accompanied by a minor decline in joblessness. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide forward-looking context; nationwide employment is projected to expand by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with performance varying widely by discipline. Applying these sector-level expectations to the local workforce composition points to potential employment expansion in The Entrance of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, representing a simple weighted projection that excludes local demographic shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in The Entrance is $1,176 a week (about $61,000 a year), with median personal income at $662 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,405 a year against an average of $62,467. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxpayer records aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place the median income in The Entrance SA2 at $50,405 and the average at $62,467, falling below national standards and lagging the Greater Sydney benchmarks of $60,817 and $83,003. Applying a 10.32% Wage Price Index increase observed since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of roughly $55,607 (median) and $68,914 (average) as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings placed between the 11th and 21st percentiles nationally. The predominant weekly income bracket is $800 - 1,499, accounting for 26.4% of residents (4,315 people), contrasting with Greater Sydney where the $1,500 - 2,999 tier leads at 30.9%.
Affordability constraints are acute, leaving 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs and ranking at the 8th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
The Entrance had 6,974 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 47% detached houses and 22% apartments. 21% are owned with a mortgage, 44% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $365 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 31.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 38.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the most recent Census, the local housing stock consisted of 47.0% houses and 53.0% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative formats), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings throughout metropolitan Sydney. Outright home ownership reached 34.7%, surpassing the Sydney metro rate, while 21.3% of homes carried a mortgage and 44.0% were occupied by renters. Typical monthly mortgage payments stood at $1,950 and weekly rents averaged $365, both undercutting the Sydney metro benchmarks of $2,427 and $470. In a nationwide context, local mortgage servicing costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental rates track below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
The Entrance counted 6,974 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 91% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 38% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 58.2% of local households, encompassing couples without children (25.7%), couples with children (17.8%), and single parent families (13.7%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 41.8%, led by lone person households at 37.9% and group households at 3.8%. The area records a median household size of 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney benchmark of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.4% of adults in The Entrance hold a university qualification, including 13.0% with a bachelor degree and 3.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,755 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 985 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment presents an area for development, with university degree holders making up 18.4% of the population compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. Bachelor degrees constitute the largest share at 13.0%, with postgraduate qualifications at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational training demonstrates considerable strength, as 40.7% of residents aged 15+ hold technical credentials, comprising certificates (29.1%) and advanced diplomas (11.6%). Enrolment in structured learning encompasses 24.9% of the local population. Within this cohort, primary education accounts for 8.1%, secondary schooling represents 6.8%, and higher education engages 3.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in The Entrance reaches 103 stops on 78 routes, timetabled for about 1,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local transit network features 103 active bus stops across The Entrance, accommodating 78 individual routes that deliver 1,872 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is strong, placing typical dwellings 178 meters from the closest stop. With the area functioning primarily as a residential catchment, outward commuting is standard and private vehicles dominate at 91% of travel mode share. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, trailing regional figures, while 26.9% of workers recorded working from home at the 2021 Census during pandemic conditions. Transit services run at an overall frequency of 267 trips per day across the network, delivering roughly 18 weekly trips per individual stop.
The spatial distribution of the 100 nearest transit stops relative to the centrepoint is illustrated on the accompanying map.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.1% of residents in The Entrance report no long-term health condition. 7.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics compiled by AreaSearch regarding mortality and chronic condition prevalence point to below-average outcomes for The Entrance. General ailment rates track near standard benchmarks overall but show elevated levels among older cohorts, while private hospital coverage extends to roughly 50% of the community (~8,238 people), trailing both Greater Sydney (59.9%) and the national benchmark (55.7%). Arthritis and mental health concerns represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, impacting 11.2 and 9.9% of residents respectively, whereas 60.1% reported no long-term illnesses compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Chronic health burdens are notably elevated among working-age individuals.
Residents aged 65 and over comprise 29.8% of the populace (4,877 people), exceeding the 15.5% share observed in Greater Sydney and creating specific care requirements for older cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
The Entrance is largely Australian-born, at 84.5% of residents, with 7.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.0%) and Australian (28.7%). 3.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics for The Entrance track below metropolitan averages, with Australian citizens comprising 88.1% of residents, 84.5% born in Australia, and 92.1% communicating solely in English at home. Christianity forms the dominant religious affiliation, representing 59.4% of the population compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Looking at parental background and ancestry, the principal reported ancestries are English at 30.0% (surpassing the 19.0% regional level), Australian at 28.7% (above the 17.8% regional mark), and Irish at 9.8%. Other community representations include Australian Aboriginal heritage at 3.8% (against 1.3% regionally), Maltese at 1.2% (against 1.0%), and Samoan background at 0.2% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of The Entrance is 48, older than 86% of areas nationally. 19.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Reflecting its established profile as a coastal lifestyle and retirement hub, The Entrance has 29.8% of its population in the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) as at August 2026, roughly double the 15.5% observed across Greater Sydney, while young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 21.1% versus 31.4% regionally. The median age is estimated at 48 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census result and significantly older than the 2021 Census medians for Greater Sydney (37) and Australia (38). Senior groups have risen from 26.6% at the Census to 29.8%, with projections to 2041 indicating an influx of 1,005 residents (21%) to reach 5,883 elderly individuals, while younger adult and youth cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for The Entrance
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 10 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 130 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (15,839 at the 2021 Census → 16,346 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (102021053). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.