Tweed Heads

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

Tweed Heads' population is approximately 21,595 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,032 people from the 2021 Census total of 20,563, reflecting a growth rate of 5.0%. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,283 in June 2024 and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 215 persons per square kilometer. Tweed Heads' growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.3%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.2% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Tweed Heads' population is projected to increase by approximately 2,041 persons, reflecting an overall gain of around 8.0% over the 17-year period, in line with Australia's non-metropolitan areas median growth trend.

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

Tweed Heads has recorded approximately 54 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 270 homes were approved, with an additional 102 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.9 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging behind demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $493,000. In terms of commercial development, Tweed Heads has recorded approximately $28.8 million in approvals for this financial year, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Tweed Heads records around 15.0% less building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This level is also below the national average, suggesting that the area is well-established and potentially facing planning limitations. Recent construction in Tweed Heads comprises approximately 42.0% detached dwellings and 58.0% attached dwellings. This trend towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The estimated population density is around 672 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Tweed Heads is projected to add approximately 1,729 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 85 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sceniq Bilambil Heights, Edify Australia Build-To-Rent Development, Enid Street Residential Towers, and Tweed Heads Social Housing Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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 employment landscape in Tweed Heads presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.2%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Tweed Heads has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2015.

By June 2025, 9,151 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, below the Rest of NSW's rate of 4%. Workforce participation in Tweed Heads was lower at 49.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had notably high employment levels, at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.1% of Tweed Heads's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8%, and employment fell by 4.1%, causing unemployment to drop by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. As of Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May-25 estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tweed Heads's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Tweed Heads SA2 is below national average. Median income is $44,521 and average income stands at $57,740. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,135 (median) and $65,021 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Tweed Heads all fall between 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that predominant cohort spans 28.2% of locals (6,089 people) in $800 - 1,499 category, differing from broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at 11th percentile.

Tweed Heads displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Tweed Heads had 48.9% houses and 51.0% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tweed Heads was 41.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.4% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. Median weekly rent in Tweed Heads was $390, slightly higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $400. Nationally, Tweed Heads' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 account for 61.0% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.0%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.6%). Educational participation is high at 25.7%, comprising primary education (8.2%), secondary education (6.5%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

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

Tweed Heads has 152 active public transport stops. All are bus stops serviced by 65 routes. These provide a total of 2,351 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 184 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, with 335 daily trips across all routes and approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tweed Heads is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Tweed Heads faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (around 10,559 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent health issues are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health problems (8.4%). About 62.7% reported no medical conditions, slightly below the Rest of NSW figure at 64.2%. Tweed Heads has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 29.0% (6,256 people), compared to 26.1% in Rest of NSW.

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 had below average cultural diversity, with 84.5% citizens, 79.9% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 52.5%, compared to 51.3% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.7%), Irish (10.3%).

Maori representation was notably higher at 0.7% versus 0.5% regionally, Scottish at 8.5% versus 8.7%, and New Zealand at 0.8% versus 0.7%.

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

Tweed Heads' median age is 48 years, which is older than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group is particularly prominent at 14.7%, while the 5-14 year-old group is smaller at 8.9% compared to Rest of NSW. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.6%, while the 55-64 age group has declined from 14.1% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Tweed Heads' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 483 people (55%) from 872 to 1,356. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts.