Tweed Heads

Tweed Heads has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tweed Heads's population is around 21,738 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,175 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,563 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,283 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 222 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 216 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Tweed Heads's 5.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 50.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 2,041 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 7.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Tweed Heads when compared nationally

Tweed Heads has averaged around 54 new dwelling approvals annually, with 270 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 105 so far in FY-26. At an average of 3.9 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $225,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $28.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Tweed Heads shows 15.0% lower construction activity (per person) and ranks in the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The estimated count of 672 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Tweed Heads will gain 1,586 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Tweed Heads has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 85 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sceniq Bilambil Heights, Edify Australia Build-To-Rent Development, Enid Street Residential Towers, and Tweed Heads Social Housing Development, 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.

While Tweed Heads retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tweed Heads possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,464 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% while employment declined by 0.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tweed Heads. 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 Tweed Heads's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Tweed Heads SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,699, with an average of $60,293. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,925 (median) and $65,635 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Tweed Heads all fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 28.2% of locals (6,130 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Tweed Heads, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 48.9% houses and 51.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tweed Heads was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 41.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.4%) or rented (29.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Tweed Heads's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Tweed Heads features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 61.0% of all households, comprising 19.3% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.0%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Tweed Heads aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.7%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% 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 172 active transport stops operating within Tweed Heads, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 65 individual routes, collectively providing 2,373 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 339 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Tweed Heads is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tweed Heads faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~10,695 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0 and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 62.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 28.6% of residents aged 65 and over (6,223 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Tweed Heads was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 79.9% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tweed Heads is Christianity, which makes up 52.5% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tweed Heads are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Tweed Heads (vs 0.3% regionally), Scottish at 8.5% (vs 8.0%) and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Tweed Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tweed Heads's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.6%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.9%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.8% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Tweed Heads's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 493 people (57%) from 862 to 1,356. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.