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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Anna Bay is around 4,349, reflecting an increase of 128 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.0% rise from the previous population count of 4,221. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which reported a resident population of 4,331. This results in a population density ratio of 195 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Anna Bay has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% to the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Anna Bay is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 1,522 persons, reflecting a total rise of 37.3% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Anna Bay has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 15 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New homes are being built at an average value of $572,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $721,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Relative to Rest of NSW, Anna Bay has significantly less development activity (78.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. New building activity shows 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 85.0% houses).

The estimated count of 491 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Anna Bay adding 1,621 residents by 2041, based on 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key 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. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Anna Bay presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Anna Bay has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,779 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 49.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7% and employment by 2.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 shows that Anna Bay has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $42,238 and the average is $56,262. Rest of NSW's figures are higher, with a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $45,980 (median) and $61,247 (average). The 2021 Census data shows Anna Bay's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Anna Bay differs from the region, with 27.7% of residents earning $400 - $799 compared to the regional majority of $1,500 - $2,999 earners at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Anna Bay, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Anna Bay, evaluated at the Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Anna Bay was higher at 52.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (19.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Anna Bay was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $390, compared to Non-Metro 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Rest of 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 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 comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 35.4%.

A significant 24.4% of the population is actively pursuing 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 served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 432 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average living just 164 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this predominantly residential area commute outwards, primarily using cars (94% of trips). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of Anna Bay's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 61 trips per day, equating to approximately seven 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, conducted in June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were higher than average, particularly among older cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,141 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (13.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 58.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Anna Bay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.6% (1,591 people), compared to Rest of 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 2016 Census, had a population where 84.7% were born in Australia, 90.8% were citizens, and 97.0% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.1% of Anna Bay's population, compared to 55.9% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, Polish (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Maori (0.7% vs regional 0.3%), and Welsh (0.6% vs regional 0.5%) groups were overrepresented in Anna Bay compared to the broader region.

Anna Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Anna Bay is 52 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.8% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.8% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 17.3% to 18.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 11.9% to 9.8%, and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 15.6% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Anna Bay, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow by 60%, adding 385 residents to reach 1,029. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by a modest 7%, adding 44 people.