Anna Bay

Population growth drivers in Anna Bay are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Anna Bay is around 4,349, reflecting an increase of 128 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.0% growth from the previous population count of 4,221. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and considering additional 15 new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 195 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Anna Bay has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for about 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Anna Bay are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to experience significant population growth, increasing by 1,404 persons to reach an estimated total of 5,753 by the year 2041. This projected increase represents a 31.9% change over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Anna Bay recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Anna Bay experienced around 5 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years from FY-2021 to FY-2025. This totals an estimated 29 homes. In FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 14.6 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during this period.

Demand significantly exceeds supply, potentially driving price growth and competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $572,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $721,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Anna Bay has significantly less development activity, which is 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, this level is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

New building activity consists of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, providing accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 85.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Anna Bay is 490 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Anna Bay to add 1,386 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism Transport Interchange, The Bay Resort, 36 Port Stephens Drive Residential Development, and Anna Bay Strategy and Town Plan. Relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Anna Bay maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Anna Bay has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate in Anna Bay was 2.9%, lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

There were 1,786 residents employed at that time, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Anna Bay stood at 49.3%, significantly lower than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction jobs were particularly concentrated, with levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.2% of Anna Bay's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.9% and employment decreased by 0.8%, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Anna Bay's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Anna Bay has lower median and average incomes compared to national averages. The median income in Anna Bay is $42,238, while the average stands at $56,262. Regional NSW, however, has a higher median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Anna Bay would be approximately $45,980 (median) and $61,247 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Anna Bay fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 27.7% of Anna Bay's population earns within the $400 - $799 range, unlike Regional NSW where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Anna Bay, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Anna Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Anna Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Anna Bay was 52.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented ones at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $390, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Anna Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Anna Bay has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.5% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 36.2% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Anna Bay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.5% while certificates make up 35.4%.

A total of 24.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

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

Anna Bay has 56 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 45 different routes that together provide a total of 432 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 164 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Anna Bay, which is primarily residential. Cars are the dominant mode of transport in the area, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 61 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Anna Bay are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Anna Bay's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,141 people), lower than Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 58.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Anna Bay has a higher proportion of seniors, at 36.4% (1,583 people), than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Anna Bay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Anna Bay, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.7% of its population born in Australia and 90.8% being citizens. English was the home language for 97.0%. Christianity dominated at 54.1%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%.

Ancestry wise, English (34.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (9.4%) were top groups. Notably, Polish (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Maori (0.7% vs 0.3%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) were overrepresented.

Anna Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Anna Bay is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and also above the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Anna Bay has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 14.8%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.3%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.8%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.9% to 3.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 9.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.6% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Anna Bay, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 53%, adding 344 residents to reach a total of 988. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging demographic. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by a modest 4%, with an increase of 26 people.