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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Casuarina (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 3,333 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 77 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,256 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,241, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,243 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Casuarina has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the Casuarina (NSW) (SA2) expected to grow by 491 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Casuarina recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Casuarina recorded around 10 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Approximately 53 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 7 approved in FY-26.

Each dwelling built over the past five financial years attracted an average of 2.1 new residents. The average construction cost for new homes was $1,037,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. Compared to Rest of NSW, Casuarina has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability. However, this is lower than the national level, suggesting possible development constraints. Recent construction comprised 50% detached dwellings and 50% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 71% houses. This change may be due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands.

Casuarina has a low density with around 169 people per approval. AreaSearch estimates that Casuarina will grow by 461 residents through to 2041, suggesting that current construction rates are balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area: Pama Casuarina, Tweed Valley Hospital, Kings Forest, and Tweed Coast Road Widening and Duplication. These are the key initiatives likely to have notable effects on the region.

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Casuarina ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Casuarina has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,718 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Casuarina is high at 69.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Professional & technical services have a strong presence, employing 1.8 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the census working population versus resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, Casuarina's labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 2.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Casuarina's employment mix, local employment is estimated to 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 ended June 2023 shows Casuarina's median income at $62,236 and average income at $94,103. 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 July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Casuarina would be approximately $67,750 (median) and $102,441 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Casuarina rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 84th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 32.9% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting metropolitan patterns where 29.9% fall into this range. Notably, 36.7% earn above $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

Casuarina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 71.1% houses and 28.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW, on the other hand, had 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Casuarina was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.6% and rented ones at 22.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, compared to Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent figure for Casuarina was $635, while Non-Metro NSW recorded $400. Nationally, Casuarina's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 comprise the remaining 16.2%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 36.1% holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 21.5% in the SA3 area. This advantage is largely driven by bachelor degrees (25.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high in Casuarina, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 32 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 268 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Casuarina is rated excellent, with residents on average located 174 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 38 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 shows excellent health outcomes across all ages. Common health conditions have a very low prevalence in the area. Private health cover stands at approximately 64%, or 2,134 people, compared to 50.2% in Rest of NSW and 55.7% nationally.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common conditions, affecting 6.7% and 5.8% respectively. 77.5% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 64.2% in Rest of NSW. Casuarina has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.9%, or 496 people, compared to 26.1% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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

Casuarina's population showed low cultural diversity, with 82.3% born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.9%. Judaism, however, had a higher proportion than the rest of NSW, at 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Notable differences included overrepresentation of Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.6%), South African (0.8% vs 0.3%), and New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.7%) groups.

Casuarina's median age exceeds the national pattern

Casuarina's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes 17.5% of Casuarina's population compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 5.6%, lower than Rest of NSW's percentage. This 45-54 concentration is notably higher than Australia's national average of 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.1% to 11.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, Casuarina's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 17%, adding 100 residents to reach a total of 684. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 2%, adding only 8 people.