Chinderah

Population growth drivers in Chinderah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Chinderah is around 1708. This reflects an increase of 69 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1639. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1669 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 114 persons per square kilometer. Chinderah's growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region at 3.3% and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Considering these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Chinderah expected to increase by 426 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 25.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Chinderah recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 43 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents per year were associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value for new homes was $1,037,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market. In FY26, $47.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Chinderah shows 70.0% higher construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points.

With around 180 people per dwelling approval, Chinderah exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Chinderah is projected to add 442 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Chinderah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Uniting Kingscliff Redevelopment, Bells Boulevard Kingscliff - Stage 3, Altitude Aspire Residential Estate, and Marine & Pearl. The following list details those 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 analysis indicates Chinderah maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Chinderah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Tourism and hospitality are prominent sectors.

The unemployment rate is 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 600 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Chinderah is significantly lower at 32.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services.

Construction employment stands out with a share 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 4.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident in Chinderah, indicating it serves as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.8% alongside a 4.6% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chinderah's employment mix indicates 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 ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Chinderah had a median taxpayer income of $32,985 and an average income of $49,875. Nationally, the median was $49,459 and the average was $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $37,144 (median) and $56,164 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. The 2021 Census places Chinderah's household, family, and personal incomes between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 48.0% of residents earn between $400 - 799 weekly, compared to the surrounding region where the leading bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 29.9%. A majority (57.2%) of Chinderah's residents have weekly incomes under $800, indicating constrained household budgets. Despite modest housing costs with 87.5% of income retained, the 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

The latest Census evaluation in Chinderah showed that 46.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 53.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinderah stood at 72.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 10.7% and rented ones at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. Median weekly rent in Chinderah was $245, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $400. Nationally, Chinderah's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $245 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 55.2%, with lone person households at 52.2% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%, significantly 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 common 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+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 33.5%.

School and university attendance accounts for 19.8% of the community, including 8.1% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to lie outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 21 active stops operating in Chinderah, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 38 routes, facilitating 568 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 213 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run at an average frequency of 81 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Chinderah faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47%, covering around 798 people, compared to 49.3% across the rest of NSW, and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.5%) and mental health issues (10.2%), while 49.2% report no medical ailments, lower than the 64.2% in the rest of NSW.

Residents aged 65 and over make up 46.4%, totaling 792 people, which is higher than the 26.1% in the rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 Australian citizens and 82.1% born in Australia. English is predominantly spoken at home by 97.6%. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 57.4%, compared to 51.3% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.7%), Australian (25.5%), and Scottish (10.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.1% in Chinderah compared to the regional average of 3.0%. French representation stands at 0.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.5%, while Irish representation is 9.8%, lower than the regional average of 10.3%.

Chinderah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Chinderah's median age is 62 years, considerably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Chinderah has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 at 27.1%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 5.3%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 6.0% to 7.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 18.3% to 16.3%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 6.6% to 5.3%. By 2041, Chinderah's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 113 people (42%) from 268 to 382. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting Chinderah's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 2%.