Charmhaven

Charmhaven is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Charmhaven is around 2,679, reflecting a growth of 178 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.1% rise from the previous population count of 2,501. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,606 in Jun 2024, which was validated with an additional 82 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 378 persons per square kilometer. Charmhaven's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 193 persons to reach approximately 2,872 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Charmhaven, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Charmhaven experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 73 homes. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to population size, benefiting buyers while new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $292,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year, $218,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Charmhaven shows moderately higher construction activity (32.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though recent data suggests a slight easing of construction activity. Recent construction comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 93.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

At around 267 people per approval, Charmhaven reflects a transitioning market. Population forecasts indicate Charmhaven will gain 120 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Charmhaven has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment, Madison Rise Estate, Kanwal-Lake Haven-Gorokan Growth Corridor (Warnervale East / Greater Warnervale), and Charmhaven Master-Planned Housing Community. The following list details 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 Charmhaven shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Charmhaven has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 5.3% and employment growth of 3.4% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, there are 1,158 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 56.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 16.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 2.5% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. In the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, keeping unemployment stable. Comparing this with Greater Sydney's growth rates of 2.2% for employment and 2.3% for labour force shows Charmhaven's stronger performance. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (May-25 projections). Applying these projections to Charmhaven's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% in five years and 13.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Charmhaven had a median income among taxpayers of $47,479 and an average level of $57,029. This is below the national average of $60,817 and Greater Sydney's average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,686 (median) and $62,082 (average). Census data reveals household incomes in Charmhaven fall between the 15th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 34.9% of residents (934 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Charmhaven, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 92.8% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charmhaven was at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 30.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,705, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Charmhaven's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Charmhaven features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households are the majority, accounting for 70.0% of all households. They consist of couples with children at 25.6%, couples without children at 25.4%, and single parent families at 17.4%. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Charmhaven exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 10.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (35.3%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, with 8.4% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Charmhaven has 43 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 35 different routes, offering a total of 1,228 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 128 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most commutes from Charmhaven are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 175 trips per day, resulting in approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Charmhaven faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,326 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.9% and 11.0% of residents respectively. However, 58.1% claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (535 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely in line with national rankings.

Charmhaven is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Charmhaven was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia and 91.2% being citizens. The majority spoke English only at home, comprising 95.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, representing 50.2% of people in Charmhaven.

However, Buddhism showed an overrepresentation with 1.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%. In terms of ancestry, Australians were the highest at 32.0%, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English ancestry followed closely at 31.1%, surpassing the regional average of 19.0%. Scottish ancestry was also notable at 8.5%. There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, New Zealanders at 0.8% (regional average 0.5%), and Maltese at 0.5% (regional average 1.0%).

Charmhaven's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Charmhaven is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 10.8% of the population in Charmhaven, compared to 8.2% in Greater Sydney, indicating an over-representation of this cohort locally. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is under-represented in Charmhaven at 12.6%, compared to 17.9% in Greater Sydney. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.8% of the population, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, Charmhaven's population forecasts show significant demographic changes, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 35%, reaching 246 people from 182. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 63% of the total population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.