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

The estimated population for the suburb of Anna Bay is around 4,377 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 156 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,221. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,365 in June 2025 and the validation of 17 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 196 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Anna Bay has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, surpassing the Rest of NSW. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to increase its population by 1,241 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 28.1% over the 16-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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Anna Bay had around 5 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 9.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

Developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments, as seen by the average construction value of $572,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $721,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Anna Bay has significantly less development activity compared to Rest of NSW (78.0% below regional average per person) and nationally (reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints). New building activity comprises 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift towards denser development for accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The area has an estimated 480 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Anna Bay will add 1,229 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Future projections show Anna Bay adding 1,229 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Anna Bay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the area. Major 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. 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.

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

Anna Bay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,736 residents are employed, which is 1.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Anna Bay is lower at 47.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.2% of Anna Bay's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, while employment decreased by 1.4%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, accompanied by a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate potential future demand within Anna Bay. Applying these projections to Anna Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows median income in Anna Bay suburb is $42,238. Average income stands at $56,262. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) in Regional NSW. Income estimates for March 2026, adjusted by Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, are approximately $46,597 (median) and $62,068 (average). Anna Bay's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally in the 2021 Census. Incomes of $400-$799 were reported by 27.7% of Anna Bay residents, compared to Regional NSW where incomes of $1500-$2999 predominate 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Anna Bay stood at 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, while 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, and 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%. 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (35.4%). A total of 24.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 8.8% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing 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 served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 432 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 164 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with cars being the most commonly used mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 61 trips per day, 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 shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,154 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (13.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 58.8% reporting no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Anna Bay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.3% (1,632 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 10 June 2008, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly born in Australia, with 84.7%. Citizenship was also high, at 90.8%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.0% of residents.

Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 54.1% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups had notable variations in representation: Polish was higher at 0.8% versus the regional average of 0.5%, Maori at 0.7% compared to 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.5%.

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 well above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Anna Bay at 15.1%, compared to Regional NSW's average of 10%. This is also higher than the national average of 6.1%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.4% to 15.1% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.9% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.9% to 9.8%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.6% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Anna Bay. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 326 residents to reach 987. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 55-64 group is forecast to contract by 2 residents.