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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Bateau Bay is $1.20m, with units at $790k. House values have moved 4.5% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Bateau Bay has an estimated 12,817 residents, up from 12,516 at the 2021 Census — a change of 301 people, or 2.4%. That puts 1,847 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by AreaSearch post-Census, the population of the suburb of Bateau Bay is estimated to be approximately 12,817 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 301 residents (2.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 12,516 individuals. The figures are derived from a resident count of 12,812 calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 11 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This size results in a population density of 1,846 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national areas tracked by AreaSearch.
The post-Census expansion rate of 2.4% for the suburb of Bateau Bay is within 1.0 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (3.4%), showing stable local growth drivers. Net gains in the population of the suburb of Bateau Bay over recent times were almost exclusively due to overseas migration. For each SA2 boundary, AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where these are unavailable, SA2 projections from the NSW State Government published in 2022 using 2021 as the base year are applied. Projected age bracket growth rates from these sources are extended to all localities for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on combined SA2 projections, future demographic trends indicate growth in the lower quartile of statistical locations evaluated by AreaSearch, with the suburb of Bateau Bay expected to expand by 545 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 4.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
88 new dwellings have been approved in Bateau Bay over the past five years, an average of 17 a year. That is 1.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 81% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 28, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building approval statistics mapped from statistical boundaries indicate that Bateau Bay averages approximately 17 approved residential units annually, leading to an estimated 88 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. During the current FY-26 period, 26 approvals have been registered. An average of 2.1 residents per year relocated to the locality for every new dwelling built during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, showing steady demand that supports home values, while newly built homes carry an average construction value of $323,000. Commercial development approvals reached $1.0 million during this financial year, pointing to a heavily residential composition.
Bateau Bay exhibits considerably lower building volumes than Greater Sydney, sitting 68.0% below the regional average per capita. This low level of new building supply generally sustains demand and prices for existing residential stock, despite a recent lift in construction activity. These rates are also below national benchmarks, indicating a mature residential market and potential development limitations. Residential building approvals are divided between standalone houses at 81.0% and multi-unit dwellings or townhouses at 19.0%, maintaining traditional suburban density and appealing to families wanting larger properties. A ratio of 473 people for each dwelling approval indicates a fully established market. Long-term projections indicate Bateau Bay will add 540 residents by 2041, calculated from the most recent quarterly figures by AreaSearch. Current building volumes are keeping pace with this projected population increase, though home buyers may face higher competition as the number of residents rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bateau Bay
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Bateau Bay, worth an estimated $47 million. A further 31 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $611 million. 7 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, residential development and environmental & disaster management. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is highly dependent on infrastructure developments, major planning proposals, and public projects. AreaSearch has identified 4 projects that are likely to influence the local area. The most relevant initiatives include the Cynthia Street Subdivision, the Uniting Nareen Gardens Village Redevelopment, the Red Bus Planning Proposal - 682A Coleridge Road Rezoning, and the Central Coast Highway Upgrade - Wamberal to Bateau Bay.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cynthia Street Subdivision
DA approved staged subdivision of 1,887 m2 residential land into 5 lots with integrated approval for 6 dwellings (4 single homes and 1 duplex). Dual street frontage to Cynthia Street and Adrian Close. Listings indicate dwelling plans available and staged delivery possible (subdivision, then dwellings, then duplex subdivision).
Uniting Nareen Gardens Village Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the Uniting Nareen Gardens aged care facility in Bateau Bay, featuring modern residential aged care units, community facilities, and enhanced care services for elderly residents.
Red Bus Planning Proposal - 682A Coleridge Road Rezoning
Planning proposal to rezone a 5.26ha former bus depot site from SP2 Infrastructure to R1 General Residential and C3 Environmental Management. The proposal introduces a 450m2 minimum lot size, 9.5m building height limit, and a 0.6:1 FSR across the residential land. The Gateway determination facilitates master planning for up to 70 residential dwellings alongside site-specific DCP controls.
Central Coast Highway Upgrade - Wamberal to Bateau Bay
NSW Government program to widen approximately 3.6-3.8km of Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay to two lanes each way, improve intersections, and enhance active transport and bus facilities. Current works are focused on the Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection, replacing the roundabout with traffic lights and widening approaches to address congestion and improve safety.
The Grant McBride Baths Upgrade
Works are progressing on the clubroom upgrade, new pipes, new pumps and shade sails at The Grant McBride Baths.
Vera's Water Garden Upgrade
Upgrading Vera's Water Garden to a zero-depth design to improve safety, accessibility, and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Berkeley Vale Industrial Estate Expansion
Ongoing expansion of the Berkeley Vale Industrial Estate along Enterprise Drive with serviced industrial lots, new warehouse and light industrial buildings, internal road and utility upgrades. Multiple sites, including 5 Enterprise Drive, are actively being marketed and developed for warehouse, logistics and industrial occupiers, with individual building projects progressing across the estate.
Central Coast Shared Pathway Network - Magenta Extension
Extension of the Central Coast shared pathway network through the Magenta area, providing safe cycling and walking connections between residential areas and key destinations.
6,022 residents of Bateau Bay are employed, from a labour force of 6,260. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 59.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 11,417, about 89% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Bateau Bay has a qualified resident workforce with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 3.8% alongside estimated job growth of 3.0% over the last year, according to AreaSearch regional statistics. In March 2026, working residents numbered 6,022, which keeps the local unemployment rate 0.3% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, whereas labor force participation is lower at 59.9% compared to the metropolitan rate of 69.1%. Census records indicate that 28.8% of local employees worked from home, though this figure reflects the impact of pandemic lockdowns.
The primary employment fields for local residents are healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The construction sector shows a particularly high density in Bateau Bay, employing residents at 1.6 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 5.3% of local workers compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The imbalance between Census working numbers and resident counts indicates that this largely residential area offers few local jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw employment grow by 3.0% and the workforce rise by 3.5%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labor force growth of 1.9%, alongside a minor decrease. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future local demand patterns. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate potential growth. While nationwide employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary between sectors. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce mix suggests Bateau Bay jobs should rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted model without local population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Bateau Bay is $1,475 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $719 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,149 a year against an average of $63,598. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, resident incomes in Bateau Bay fall below the national average, with a median of $51,149 and an average of $63,598. This compares to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Applying a 10.32% Wage Price Index increase since financial year 2023 yields updated figures of approximately $56,428 for the median and $70,161 for the average in March 2026. In the 2021 Census, Bateau Bay household, family, and individual incomes all ranked in the lower range, placed between the 32nd and 34th percentiles.
The local earnings distribution shows 29.7% of the population (3,806 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% of people fall into this bracket. affability constraints are notable, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 30th percentile and the 5th decile for SEIFA income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Bateau Bay had 4,673 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 80% detached houses and 9% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,058 a month. Rent absorbs 27.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 32.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential dwellings in Bateau Bay consisted of 79.5% detached houses and 20.5% semi-detached, apartment, or other housing formats, compared to the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other structures. Home ownership rates were high at 37.8%, with mortgaged properties representing 37.1% and rental properties making up 25.1%. The local median monthly mortgage payment of $2,058 was lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent of $400 sat below the metropolitan rate of $470. Compared to national statistics, mortgage payments in Bateau Bay exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Bateau Bay counted 4,673 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 70.7% of local households, consisting of 29.9% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.6% single parents. The remaining 29.3% of residences are non-family households, which include lone person households at 27.3% and group housing at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.3% of adults in Bateau Bay hold a university qualification, including 15.1% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.1% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 688 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,058 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Local education trends show lower rates of tertiary qualifications, with 20.3% of residents holding a university degree compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. Bachelor degrees are held by 15.1% of the population, postgraduate qualifications by 3.2%, and graduate diplomas by 2.0%. Vocational training and technical skills are common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.1%. A high percentage of residents are actively studying, with 29.3% currently enrolled in education. Primary school students account for 11.2% of residents, secondary students make up 7.7%, and tertiary students comprise 3.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Bateau Bay reaches 93 stops on 115 routes, timetabled for about 2,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis identifies 93 active transit stops in Bateau Bay, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 115 separate routes, providing a total of 2,806 passenger trips per week. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 162 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method for 95% of workers. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per household, which is above the metropolitan average. Census data from 2021 shows that 28.8% of residents worked from home, which was likely influenced by local pandemic restrictions.
Transit services average 400 daily trips across the network, which translates to roughly 30 weekly trips per active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.9% of residents in Bateau Bay report no long-term health condition. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions by AreaSearch indicates notable health concerns in Bateau Bay, affecting both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is slightly above the SA2 average at roughly 52% of the population (~6,677 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Arthritis and mental health challenges are the most frequently reported medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 8.6% of the population, while 63.9% of residents reported having no chronic conditions, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age populations show higher rates of chronic illness than average.
The suburb has 25.0% of its residents aged 65 and over (3,204 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for older residents show some issues, with rankings generally matching the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Bateau Bay is largely Australian-born, at 87.6% of residents, with 3.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.3%) and Australian (30.9%). 3.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Bateau Bay shows lower cultural diversity than average, with 87.6% of residents born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 96.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 57.3% of residents, compared to 49.2% in Greater Sydney. Based on parental birthplaces, the most common ancestries are English at 31.3% of the population (well above the metropolitan average of 19.0%), Australian at 30.9% (well above the regional average of 17.8%), and Irish at 9.8%. There are also specific groups showing higher local representation than regional trends, including Maltese at 1.0% (compared to 1.0% regionally), New Zealand ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and Australian Aboriginal residents at 3.4% (compared to 1.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Bateau Bay is 42. 20.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median resident age in Bateau Bay is 42, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 are highly represented at 12.3% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 12.5% to 14.0% and the 15 to 24 group rose from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 10.8% to 9.3%, and the 85+ cohort decreased from 4.9% to 3.8%.
By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes, with the 85+ group growing by 73% (354 individuals) to reach 842 people from 487. The combined 65+ cohorts are projected to account for 74% of the total population growth, pointing to an aging demographic profile, whereas the 65 to 74 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience net declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Bateau Bay
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Oct 2025 10 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Oct 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (12,516 at the 2021 Census → 12,817 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10227). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.