Casuarina (NSW)

Casuarina lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Casuarina (NSW) is around 3,389. This reflects an increase of 133 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,256 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,373 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,264 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Casuarina's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for national regional areas, with Casuarina expected to grow by 486 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Casuarina when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Casuarina averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 40 homes. As of FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 3.6 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $1,037,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Casuarina records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it among the 62nd percentile nationally. However, construction activity has intensified recently, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 71.0% houses). With around 232 people per dwelling approval, Casuarina is considered a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Casuarina will gain approximately 470 residents by 2041.

Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, although buyer competition may increase as population grows.

Casuarina has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect the region: Pama Casuarina, Tweed Valley Hospital, Kings Forest, and Tweed Coast Road Widening and Duplication. The following details projects likely to have the most relevance.

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Employment conditions in Casuarina demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Casuarina has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.4%. This rate is 1.5% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation stands at 67.6%, higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%.

According to Census responses, 29.8% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows high specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, but lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing at 1%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, and employment decreased by 0.7%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Casuarina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Casuarina's median income among taxpayers is $62,236. The average income in the suburb is $94,103. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Casuarina would be approximately $68,659 (median) and $103,814 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Casuarina between the 77th and 84th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 32.9% of residents (1,114 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 36.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Casuarina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Casuarina, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 71.1% houses and 28.9% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Casuarina was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.6% and rented dwellings at 22.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, above Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent figure for Casuarina was recorded at $635, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Casuarina's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Casuarina features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 83.8% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.2%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Casuarina demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Casuarina's educational attainment is notably high, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 21.5% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 13.9% and certificates for 22.6%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Casuarina has 17 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 32 routes, offering a total of 268 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 92%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 29.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Casuarina's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Casuarina's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with AreaSearch finding very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of Casuarina's total population (2,169 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in Casuarina, affecting 6.7% and 5.8% of residents respectively. Notably, 77.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Casuarina has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 15.0% (508 people), than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

Casuarina ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Casuarina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Casuarina was Christianity, comprising 50.9% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.9% in Casuarina versus 0.5% regionally, South Australian at 0.8% versus 0.2%, and New Zealand at 0.9% versus 0.4%.

Casuarina's median age exceeds the national pattern

Casuarina's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The population aged 45-54 makes up 16.9%, exceeding the Regional NSW figure. Conversely, those aged 25-34 constitute only 5.7%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 2.5% to 3.8%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.2%, and the 35 to 44 group fell from 17.5% to 16.3%. By 2041, Casuarina's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow by 18%, adding 104 residents to reach a total of 677. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort will see minimal growth of just 3% (adding only 11 people).