The Entrance

An assessment of population growth drivers in The Entrance reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, The Entrance's population is around 16,283 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 444 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,839 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,155 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,174 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, The Entrance has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 786 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 691 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within The Entrance when compared nationally

The Entrance has seen around 100 new homes approved per year, totalling 504 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 87 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.5 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $409,000. Additionally, $2.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Sydney, The Entrance records somewhat elevated construction (47.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity shows 32.0% detached dwellings and 68.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 47.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 151 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, The Entrance should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

The Entrance has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Vera's Water Garden Upgrade, The Grant McBride Baths Upgrade, Lakeside Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and The Entrance Waterfront Plaza Accessible Playspace, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The Entrance shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

The Entrance has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 3.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,399 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% and the labour force increased by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, the labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within The Entrance. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to The Entrance's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in The Entrance SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $50,405 while the average income stands at $62,467. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,871 (median) and $68,002 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in The Entrance all fall between the 11th and 21st percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 26.4% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (4,298 residents), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

The Entrance displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within The Entrance, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 47.0% houses and 53.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within The Entrance was higher than that of Sydney metro, at 34.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.3%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, The Entrance's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

The Entrance features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 58.2% of all households, comprising 17.8% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 37.9% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in The Entrance fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.4%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.1%).

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 102 active transport stops operating within The Entrance, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 77 individual routes, collectively providing 1,948 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 26.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 278 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in The Entrance are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in The Entrance, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,206 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.2% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 60.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,891 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The Entrance ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The Entrance was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 84.5% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in The Entrance is Christianity, which makes up 59.4% of people in The Entrance, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in The Entrance are English, comprising 30.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 28.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of The Entrance (vs 1.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% (vs 1.3%) and Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.5%).

The Entrance hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 48 years, The Entrance's median age is significantly above the Greater Sydney average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.2%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.4%) than in Greater Sydney. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.3% to 10.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for The Entrance. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 29%, adding 517 residents to reach 2,274. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 cohorts.