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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.
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Sales Activity
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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Population
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's population is 12,161 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 11,957 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 12,148 in June 2025 plus 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. Population density is 752 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.1% of recent population gains.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 915 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 7.4% over 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff when compared nationally
Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff has seen approximately 55 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 278 homes from FY-19 to FY-23. As of FY-26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $613,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.
In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally. New development consists of 53.0% standalone homes and 47.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 82.0% houses. With approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, it indicates a low density area.
Population forecasts suggest Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff will gain 902 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are likely to impact this area: McCauley Lodge Redevelopment, Thirroul Plaza Redevelopment, Electrify 2515 Community Pilot, Bulli Bypass Feasibility Study. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.
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
Greater Macarthur Growth Area
The Greater Macarthur Growth Area is a NSW state-led strategic planning project covering the Glenfield to Macarthur urban renewal corridor and major land release precincts at Gilead, Appin and North Appin. The plan targets up to 18,000 new homes in existing urban areas and up to 40,000 new homes in greenfield areas, plus around 40,000 local jobs over 30 years. As of late 2025, draft plans for the Appin (Part) Precinct (up to 12,900 homes by Walker Corporation) and North Appin Precinct (up to 3,000 homes by Ingham Property Group) were on public exhibition between 8 September and 6 October 2025. A dwelling cap of 2,499 homes applies across the Appin and North Appin precincts, tied to the staged delivery of wastewater, water and road infrastructure. At Glenfield, Landcom is preparing for civil works in 2026 on a precinct that will deliver more than 3,900 new homes near Glenfield Station, with site demolition and remediation already underway. The Warranmadhaa National Park, covering 962 hectares between Long Point and Appin, was gazetted in July 2025 to protect the largest koala population in the Sydney basin, with the park to grow to around 1,830 hectares as further public lands are transferred by September 2026.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line
A multi-billion-dollar upgrade (formerly More Trains, More Services) modernising the T4 line for higher frequency. Key works include the Digital Systems Program replacing trackside signals with ETCS Level 2 technology, platform extensions at Waterfall and Kiama for the Mariyung fleet, and power upgrades. As of May 2026, Mariyung trains have commenced passenger service on the South Coast Line (April 2026), and Digital Systems testing continues between Bondi Junction and Erskineville.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the ageing V-set and Oscar fleets across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect NSW consortium (UGL, Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia), the trains feature wider 2x2 seating with arm rests, tray tables and cup holders, charging ports, dedicated luggage, pram and bicycle spaces, accessible toilets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, CCTV, digital information screens and Automatic Selective Door Operation. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8 or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024, on the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025, and on the South Coast Line on 14 April 2026. The South Coast Line rollout begins with seven 4 and 6-car sets, scaling to 16 trains by 2027 with 8-car sets later in 2026 and 10-car configurations in 2027. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility (operated by UGL on a 15-year contract) and extensive corridor upgrades including platform extensions, signalling modifications, balise installation and overhead wiring works.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Electrify 2515 Community Pilot
The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot is an $11.8 million Australian-first initiative providing subsidies and expert support to 500 households across the 2515 and 2516 postcodes in northern Illawarra, NSW, to replace gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives, install smart energy management devices, and access home battery subsidies. Delivered by Rewiring Australia, Brighte, and Endeavour Energy with $5.4 million in ARENA funding, the project collects real-world data on consumer behaviour, grid impacts, and barriers to electrification to inform nationwide household energy transition policy. Stage one (60 homes) was completed by mid-2025. The main rollout of 440 homes is underway (September 2025 to August 2026). In March 2026, the pilot expanded southward into Bulli (2516 postcode), with more than 100 households now participating across Austinmer, Clifton, Coledale, Scarborough, Thirroul, Wombarra, and Bulli. Research and analysis continues until September 2027.
More Trains More Services Stage Two - Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works
A comprehensive rail infrastructure package delivered to enable the rollout of the Mariyung intercity fleet. Works included major upgrades to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (including a new bogie exchange system), platform extensions at Kiama and other stations, and the construction of new stabling yards at Waterfall and Kiama. As of April 2026, the project has reached operational completion with the Mariyung fleet officially entering service on the South Coast Line.
Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan
Transport for NSW is developing the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan to assess the South Coast Line, compare upgrade and new infrastructure options, and identify a long-term program to improve rail reliability, weather resilience, passenger services and freight access between Sydney, Wollongong and Port Kembla. Related current works include drainage, cuttings, embankments, ballast cleaning and the Coalcliff/Scarborough rail tunnel upgrade.
Employment
Employment conditions in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally
Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff has a highly educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025. Employment stability was maintained over the past year.
There are 6,584 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 67.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census data shows 49.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly specialized at 2.2 times the regional level.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the resident population versus working population count. Over December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force by 0.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2% and labour force by 0.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
The Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff SA2 had an extremely high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $62,438 and average income stood at $93,811, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,882 (median) and $103,492 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff, between the 80th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 28.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,417 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 41.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 89th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff, as per the latest Census, was 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff stood at 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $550, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 78.4% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households making up 19.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Educational attainment in Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff is high, with 44.9% of residents aged 15 and over having university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.7% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 5.8% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff has 113 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 1,370 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 261 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most residents commuting outward using cars as the dominant mode at 88%, and 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 49.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 195 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups (AreaSearch Assessment Report, 2021). Private health cover is exceptionally high in the area at approximately 68% of the total population of 8,208 people, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (6.8%), while 72.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%.
Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,581 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Thirroul-Austinmer-Coalcliff, as of 2016 Census data, had a cultural diversity index of 37.1%, indicating below average diversity. 82.9% of its population was born in Australia, with 92.7% being Australian citizens and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 44.0%.
Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (11.3%). Notable divergences included Welsh (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), Scottish (9.5% vs 8.0%), and Macedonian (0.4% vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff is 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that the 45-54 group constitutes 13.9%, while the 25-34 group comprises 9.1%. Comparing with the 2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.9% to 6.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 10.7% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 15.0% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Thirroul - Austinmer - Coalcliff's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 48%, reaching 1,217 from 824. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.