Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's population is approximately 25,285. This figure represents a growth of 588 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 24,697. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 25,008 in June 2024 and the addition of 189 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,002 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's growth rate of 2.4% since the Census places it within 0.8 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

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 using a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group are projected for all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga is expected to grow by 3,263 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga when compared nationally

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has recorded approximately 133 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25667 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed over these five years.

This pace of new supply has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $332,000. In FY26, $4.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has slightly more development activity, with 42.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 49.0% standalone homes and 51.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the area's existing housing stock (currently 70.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 199 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga is expected to grow by 2,985 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area, with notable ones being Umina Beach Public Preschool, Umina Beach Multi-Dwelling Housing Projects, 100-101 The Esplanade Development Site - Ettalong Beach, and Ettalong Beach Hotel Development - 216-220 Memorial Avenue.

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 Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has a skilled workforce with 4.5% unemployment rate in September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. There are 11,184 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is 0.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 55.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 35.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but professional & technical services are under-represented at 8.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force increased by 3.2%, raising unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga SA2 is $50,965 and average income stands at $70,094. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,480 and estimated average income would be around $76,304. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.7% of locals (7,003 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 to $2,999 category, aligning with metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga, with only 80.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga, as per the latest Census, 70.0% of dwellings were houses while 30.0% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga was 38.9%, with mortgaged properties at 26.7% and rented ones at 34.4%. As of the latest data, median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,080, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.0% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 20.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 28.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga has 221 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 55 individual routes, providing a total of 2,011 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode at 82%, while trains account for 9%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 35.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 287 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per stop. The map accompanying this data shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga 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.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~13,628 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.2% of residents declared themselves 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 29.5% of residents aged 65 and over (7,456 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Umina-Booker Bay-Patonga showed lower cultural diversity with 81.8% Australian-born residents, 88.8% citizens, and 92.9% English-only speakers at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.3%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, Russian (0.5%), New Zealand (0.9%), and Maltese (0.6%) groups had varying representations compared to regional averages.

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 11.6% of the population in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. The 25-34 age group makes up 8.1%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. Nationally, the 75-84 age group comprises 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.6% of Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 9.0% to 8.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Umina - Booker Bay - Patonga's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 1,025 residents to reach a total of 3,964. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 76% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.