Chinderah

Population growth drivers in Chinderah are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Chinderah is estimated to be around 1,736. This reflects an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,639. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,643 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the suburb of Chinderah, with an expected growth of 408 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Chinderah when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Chinderah indicates approximately 11 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 56 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per dwelling in the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) is 2.8. Residential dwellings are being constructed at an average value of $1,037,000, suggesting a focus on premium market developments.

In FY-26, commercial approvals amounting to $146.2 million have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Chinderah exhibits 121.0% higher construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across different price points. With around 156 people per dwelling approval, Chinderah shows characteristics of a low density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Chinderah is projected to add 315 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified fifteen such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Uniting Kingscliff Redevelopment, Bells Boulevard Kingscliff - Stage 3, Marine & Pearl, and Altitude Aspire Residential Estate. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Chinderah ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Chinderah has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Tourism and hospitality sectors are prominently featured, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025623 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 41.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that a low 10.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food.

Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Public administration & safety employs just 4.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.5%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating that Chinderah functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment remained stable at 0.0% while labour force decreased by 0.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Chinderah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023, shows Chinderah suburb had median income among taxpayers at $32,985 and average income at $49,875. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $35,907 and average income at $54,294. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Chinderah fall within the 0th to 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 48.0% of residents (833 individuals) earn between $400 - 799 per week, contrasting with surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of the locality. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 87.5% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 2nd percentile nationally.

Chinderah displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Chinderah, as per the latest Census, 46.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 53.0% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinderah stood at 72.3%, with mortgaged properties at 10.7% and rented ones at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Chinderah was $245, lower than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Chinderah's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially lower at $245 against the national figure of $375.

Chinderah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 44.8% of all households, including 10.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 55.2%, with lone person households at 52.2% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Chinderah aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, considerably lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.1% and certificates for 33.5%.

School attendance encompasses 19.8% of the community, including 8.1% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates 27 operational public transport stops in Chinderah. These include a mix of train and bus services, with 37 individual routes serving the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 608 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 213 meters from their nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains dominant at 87%, while walking accounts for 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 86 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Chinderah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Chinderah faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 811 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 15.5% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 10.2%. Conversely, 49.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Chinderah has 47.6% of residents aged 65 and over (826 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings.

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

Chinderah's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, practiced by 57.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.7%), Australian (25.5%), and Scottish (10.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.1% compared to 4.6% regionally, while French was 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Irish was 9.8% versus 8.8%.

Chinderah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Chinderah has a median age of 62 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Chinderah has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (27.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.7%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 6.0% to 7.8%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 15.0% to 16.1%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 saw a decline from 18.3% to 16.7%. By 2041, Chinderah's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 89 people (32%), growing from 279 to 369 residents. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting Chinderah's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.