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 Nov 2025, the Anna Bay statistical area's population is estimated at around 4,349. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,221 people, representing a growth of 128 individuals (3.0%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 4,331, based on the examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 195 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Anna Bay has demonstrated consistent growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Anna Bay are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former data. These projections indicate significant population growth trends in non-metropolitan areas, forecasting an increase of 1,520 persons to 2041 for Anna Bay, reflecting a total increase of 37.4% 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 indicates Anna Bay had approximately 5 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling about 29 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling brings in around 15 new residents yearly between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand exceeds supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

Developers focus on premium market with high-end developments, as seen by the average construction cost of $572,000 per home. Commercial development approvals this financial year amount to $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), which usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods show increasing development activity. Nationally, Anna Bay's level is also below average, indicating mature area with possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift from the existing housing composition (currently 85.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

The area has an estimated 491 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Anna Bay's population to grow by 1,628 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, 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. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Notably, the construction sector is prominent.

The unemployment rate in Anna Bay was 2.7% as of September 2025. This figure is 1.1% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Anna Bay is at 47.8%, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors include 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 5.3% in Rest of NSW. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, and employment decreased by 2.3% in Anna Bay. This resulted in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a rise of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Anna Bay is $42,238 and average income stands at $56,262. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Anna Bay would be approximately $45,980 and average income would be around $61,247. According to the Census conducted on August 2021, incomes in Anna Bay fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.7% of residents earn between $400 - $799 annually, differing from the regional norm where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. 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 evaluation, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Anna Bay stood at 52.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented dwellings at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Non-Metro NSW average, while the median weekly rent figure was $390, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Anna Bay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $390 against 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 make up 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, 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 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 served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 432 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 164 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 61 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Anna Bay is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Anna Bay faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering around 2,141 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.9% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 58.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.3% across the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 35.1% (1,526 people) falling into this age bracket, compared to 28.1% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with those of the general 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Anna Bay, comprising 54.1% of people, compared to 57.4% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, Polish (0.8%) was overrepresented in Anna Bay compared to the regional average of 0.6%. Similarly, Maori (0.7%) and Welsh (0.6%) were also overrepresented.

Anna Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Anna Bay is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's 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 14.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.1%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.9% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 11.9% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Anna Bay. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 69%, adding 423 residents to reach a total of 1,037. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by a modest 3%, an increase of 22 people.