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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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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Toukley - Norah Head is $975k, with units at $620k. House values have moved 4.7% 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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Toukley - Norah Head has an estimated 9,921 residents. That puts 943 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 research conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Toukley - Norah Head stands at roughly 9,921 as of Aug 2026. This represents a slight expansion of 12 people (0.1%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 9,909 people. Such movement is calculated using an estimated resident population count of 9,908 published by the ABS as of June 2025 alongside 24 validated new addresses recorded following the Census date. With these numbers, the local density reaches 943 persons per square kilometer, tracking closely with typical figures found across other territories evaluated by AreaSearch.
Inflow from interstate migration served as the principal demographic driver, accounting for roughly 62.0% of recent population increases. Projections generated by the ABS/Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a base, are applied by AreaSearch across SA2 locations. In areas where this coverage is absent, SA2 projections released by the NSW State Government in 2022 utilizing 2021 as the baseline are referenced instead. Age-specific growth metrics from these models are further implemented across all zones for the 2032 to 2041 period. Looking forward, local demographic expansion is expected to outpace the median of Australian statistical areas, gaining an estimated 1,536 persons through 2041 according to the most recent annual ERP figures, translating to an overall growth rate of 15.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
172 new dwellings have been approved in Toukley - Norah Head over the past five years, an average of 34 a year. That is 3.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 34 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 71% 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 past 5 financial years (from FY-22 to FY-26), Toukley - Norah Head recorded 172 residential building approvals, representing an annual rate of roughly 34 new homes. Amid local population losses, residential development has kept pace with underlying demand to deliver a well-balanced environment with ample buyer options. Average construction costs stand at $389,000 per dwelling, sitting below broader regional benchmarks and providing relatively affordable choices. In parallel, commercial building approvals have reached $34.0 million throughout this financial year, underscoring solid business investment within the locality. Per capita residential construction in Toukley - Norah Head trails Greater Sydney by 19.0%, placing the locality in the 32nd percentile across the country.
This comparatively subdued pipeline restricts overall supply choice and reinforces demand for established housing stock. Such building levels also sit below national benchmarks, pointing to planning restrictions and the established state of the market. Detached houses account for 71.0% of recent construction while townhouses or apartments make up 29.0%, maintaining low-density living and appealing to buyers seeking space. An estimated ratio of 539 people per approved dwelling highlights the region's calm development climate. Looking to future growth, Toukley - Norah Head is modeled to expand by 1,523 residents out to 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at current levels, new residential supply may fall behind population gains, potentially heightening competition among purchasers and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Toukley - Norah Head
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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.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects inside Toukley - Norah Head, worth an estimated $553 million. A further 88 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.5 billion. 23 are already under construction and 47 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. 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
Major planning frameworks, strategic works, and infrastructure upgrades play a crucial role in shaping an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has highlighted a total of 11 development projects expected to influence the surrounding locality. Notable undertakings include the Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, the Toukley Town Centre Public Domain Upgrade, the 5-8 Beach Parade Residential & Retail Development, and the Seabreeze Royale Development Site (11 Beach Parade), with key projects detailed below.
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
Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant
A proposed seawater desalination facility adjacent to the existing Toukley Sewage Treatment Plant on Wilfred Barrett Drive, being advanced as a plan-ready drought response project under the Central Coast Water Security Plan. The reverse osmosis facility has an initial design capacity of 30 ML/day with provision for expansion up to 40 ML/day, activated only if dam storage falls below critical triggers. Central Coast Council is currently preparing the Environmental Impact Statement with specialist support from GHD.
Harry Moore Oval Upgrades (Sportsground Lighting, Parking, and New Hardcourts)
Upgrades to sportsground lighting, carpark capacity and accessibility (resurfacing, new guttering, bump stops, line marking), and construction of two new multi-use hard courts for netball and pickleball.
Seabreeze Royale Development Site (11 Beach Parade)
DA-approved boutique mixed-use project site with plans for seven luxury residential apartments and two premium commercial spaces in a waterfront location, currently for sale to a developer.
Mixed-Use Development 139 Main Road
A mixed-use development with two commercial units and four residential units, including Specialist Disability Accommodation and affordable rental housing.
Toukley Town Centre Public Domain Upgrade
Upgrades to the Toukley Town Centre, including footpath improvements, landscaping, and new street furniture to improve pedestrian safety, connectivity, and visual amenity. This is part of a broader masterplan to rejuvenate the town centre.
Lakeside Gardens
A mixed-use development featuring 109 residential apartments and commercial/retail space. The development will have two 11-storey buildings with resort-style landscaping, a pool, and a private jetty on the shore of Budgewoi Lake.
Canton Beach Sandstone Wall Upgrades and Repairs
Restoration and upgrades to the sandstone wall at Canton Beach foreshore to prevent erosion, improve safety, and enhance usability. Includes new drainage, sand nourishment, and turfing.
5-8 Beach Parade Residential & Retail Development
Bathla Group's proposed residential development of 40 large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with 4 ground floor retail tenancies in a five-storey building, designed for luxury coastal living. The shoptop housing includes 28 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom units. Plans underwent updates after receiving operational consent in 2018, envisioning a prominent urban landmark.
4,213 residents of Toukley - Norah Head are employed, from a labour force of 4,485. Unemployment sits at 6.1%, with participation at 53.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,810, about 89% 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 in Toukley - Norah Head features a blend of white-collar and blue-collar roles with substantial representation across essential service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.1% and a 2.6% annual rise in estimated employment. As of March 2026, employed residents total 4,213, while joblessness sits 1.9% higher than the 4.1% recorded across Greater Sydney. Labour force participation also trails regional norms noticeably, registering at 53.5% versus 68.9% in Greater Sydney. Census findings indicated that 23.9% of local workers performed their duties from home, an outcome potentially shaped by Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Major areas of resident employment comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The local workforce demonstrates marked specialization in construction, where its concentration is 1.7 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, professional & technical occupations are substantially underrepresented, engaging only 4.6% of the workforce in Toukley - Norah Head compared to 11.5% throughout Greater Sydney. Comparing the resident population with the Census working population suggests a relatively constrained volume of jobs located within the immediate area. Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS and SALM figures shows that across the 12 months leading to March 2026, local employment grew by 2.6% while the labour force expanded by 3.4%, lifting the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. Across Greater Sydney over the same timeframe, employment and the labour force each expanded by 1.9%, accompanied by a minor decline in joblessness. Further perspectives on prospective workplace demand in Toukley - Norah Head are provided by national employment forecasts issued by Jobs and Skills Australia from Mar-26. Projected nationwide growth sits at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories diverge widely across specific industries. Applying these sector-level expectations to the local workforce structure indicates an employment expansion in Toukley - Norah Head of 6.7% across five years and 13.8% across ten years (noting this calculation represents a simple weighted projection for illustration and excludes local demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Toukley - Norah Head is $1,157 a week (about $60,000 a year), with median personal income at $639 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,168 a year against an average of $58,099. 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 postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place earnings in the Toukley - Norah Head SA2 beneath nationwide benchmarks, recording a median income of $50,168 and an average of $58,099. By comparison, Greater Sydney posted a median of $60,817 alongside an average of $83,003. Applying a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings estimated current figures to around $55,345 for median earnings and $64,095 on average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census situates personal, family, and household earnings within the 10th to 17th percentiles across Australia.
Among local earners, 28.2% (2,797 individuals) receive between $400 - 799, contrasting with broader regional distributions where 30.9% generate $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability constraints are pronounced, with retained income at 79.3%, placing the area in the 8th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Toukley - Norah Head had 4,151 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 79% detached houses and 9% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 35% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 30.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 38.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property across Toukley - Norah Head at the most recent Census consisted of 79.0% separate houses and 21.0% alternative housing formats (including semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and 'other' accommodation), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings throughout metropolitan Sydney. Outright home ownership reached 38.9%, noticeably exceeding the metropolitan Sydney level, with 25.9% of homes carrying a mortgage and 35.2% occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage commitments stood at $1,950, well beneath the metropolitan Sydney figure of $2,427, while weekly median rent sat at $350 compared to $470 across Sydney.
Across Australia, Toukley - Norah Head records mortgage repayments above the $1,863 national median, whereas rent remains below the $375 national benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Toukley - Norah Head counted 4,151 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 85% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 60.8%, which includes 26.3% couples without children, 20.6% couples with children, and 12.9% single parent arrangements. The balance of 39.2% comprises non-family living situations, consisting of single-person households at 35.7% and group households at 3.3%. An average of 2.2 residents per home reflects a smaller household size than the 2.7 recorded across Greater Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.7% of adults in Toukley - Norah Head hold a university qualification, including 10.7% with a bachelor degree and 2.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 76% of areas nationally. A further 32.6% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,025 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 962 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
Educational outcomes in the district indicate persistent challenges, as tertiary degree attainment sits at 14.7% compared with the Greater Sydney benchmark of 38.0%, highlighting key avenues for educational advancement. Bachelor degrees represent the largest tertiary share at 10.7%, with postgraduate credentials at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education forms a substantial pillar of the local skill base, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between certificates (32.6%) and advanced diplomas (10.0%). Engagement with formal schooling is prominent across the locality, with 25.4% of the population actively participating in education.
This proportion includes 9.1% attending primary schools, 6.6% in secondary education, and 2.9% undertaking tertiary study.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Toukley - Norah Head reaches 90 stops on 36 routes, timetabled for about 760 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 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
Public transit across Toukley - Norah Head is facilitated by 90 operational stops offering bus services. These facilities are connected via 36 separate routes that deliver 761 passenger journeys each week. Proximity to transit is strong, with typical distances from homes to the nearest stop averaging 170 meters. Given its primarily residential setting, external commuting is common, with private cars serving as the primary transport mode at 94%. Household vehicle availability averages 1.1 cars per dwelling, while 23.9% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Across the entire network, service frequencies average 108 departures per day, which translates to roughly 8 departures per week for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
57.2% of residents in Toukley - Norah Head report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 10.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch identify meaningful challenges across Toukley - Norah Head through elevated mortality patterns and chronic illnesses that impact younger as well as older demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is notably restricted, encompassing approximately 48% of the community (~4,781 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% across Australia. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most prevalent diagnoses among residents, affecting 11.9 and 10.4% of the local population respectively. Across the community, 57.2% reported being free of medical issues, below the 74.6% recorded across Greater Sydney.
Chronic illnesses present distinct pressures for working-age cohorts. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 27.8% of the population (2,755 people), noticeably higher than the 15.5% share in Greater Sydney, with older cohorts experiencing health outcomes broadly consistent with broader national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Toukley - Norah Head is largely Australian-born, at 87.8% of residents, with 4.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.3%) and Australian (31.1%). 5.2% 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
Measures of cultural diversity in Toukley - Norah Head sit beneath broader averages, with Australian-born residents accounting for 87.8% of the population, Australian citizens making up 90.6%, and 96.0% using only English in domestic settings. Christianity constitutes the predominant religious affiliation, representing 56.7% of the community compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Ancestry figures based on parental birthplaces show the largest local cohorts to be English at 31.3% (versus 19.0% regionally), Australian at 31.1% (versus 17.8% regionally), and Irish at 9.4%. Variations appear across several other ethnic backgrounds, including an above-average representation of Australian Aboriginal residents at 5.2% (against 1.3% regionally), while Maltese residents comprise 0.9% (vs 1.0%) and Lebanese residents account for 0.3% (vs 2.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Toukley - Norah Head is 47, older than 84% of areas nationally. 21.4% 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
The demographic profile of Toukley - Norah Head skews heavily toward older age groups. As of updated estimates to August 2026, retiree and senior cohorts (65+) make up 27.8% of the population, compared to 15.5% throughout Greater Sydney, whereas young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) account for 20.9% locally versus 31.4% across the broader region. The estimated median age stands at 47 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census figure and exceeding the Greater Sydney Census median of 37 and the national Census median of 38. Population growth to 2041 will be led by retiree and senior cohorts, projected to increase by 955 (35%) to reach 3,710.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Toukley - Norah Head
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 · Jul 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 9 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 — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (9,909 at the 2021 Census → 9,921 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 (102021054). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.