Coffs Harbour

Suburb (SAL)

Rest of NSW / Coffs Harbour

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data Sources ABSValuer GeneralRental BoardACARA Newest Aug 2026 · Refreshed ABS QuickStats SAL10959 How we calculate this
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Suburb (SAL) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.

SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.

Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

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Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Coffs Harbour

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The median house price in Coffs Harbour is $863k, with units at $610k. House values have moved 3.5% a year compounded over five years.

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DemographicsPopulation Growth in Coffs Harbour

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Coffs Harbour has an estimated 28,089 residents, up from 27,089 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,000 people, or 3.7%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. 633 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 610 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address validations performed by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Coffs Harbour has an estimated population of 28,089 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,000 residents (3.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 27,089 individuals. This change is calculated from a resident population of 28,039, which AreaSearch estimated using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and an additional 633 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level translates to a density ratio of 610 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial area per resident and potential capacity for future growth.

The 3.7% growth in the suburb of Coffs Harbour since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.6%), showing competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 68.0% of the overall population increase in recent times. AreaSearch employs ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 areas without this coverage, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these sources are applied to all locations for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Coffs Harbour is expected to experience population growth above the national regional median, expanding by 4,008 persons to 2041, which represents an overall gain of 14.1% over the 16 years.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Total population for the suburb of Coffs Harbour was estimated to be approximately 28,089 as at May 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 28,039 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour changed since 2021?
The suburb of coffs harbour has added approximately 1,000 people and shown a 3.69% increase from the 27,089 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The population density in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is estimated at 610 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.7% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Population growth in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is driven by: Overseas migration (68.0%), Interstate migration (32.0%), Natural increase (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 68.0% of overall population gains.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Coffs Harbour

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681 new dwellings have been approved in Coffs Harbour over the past five years, an average of 136 a year. That places the area in the 56th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 5 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 133 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 30% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 122, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

An analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical areas shows that Coffs Harbour averages about 136 new home approvals annually, with an estimated total of 681 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 112 so far in FY-26. Because only an average of 0.9 people per year moved to the area for each new dwelling constructed during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the supply of new housing is matching or exceeding demand, providing buyers with options and allowing room for population growth beyond current projections.

The new dwellings carry an average value of $509,000, which points to developers targeting the upper end of the market with high-quality homes. Furthermore, commercial development approvals have reached $125.1 million this financial year, showing strong commercial momentum. Coffs Harbour exhibits moderately higher development activity compared to the Rest of NSW, running 19.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period, which maintains choice for buyers and supports local property values, even though construction has slowed down of late. The mix of new residential projects consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings. This emphasis on higher-density options offers more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a clear shift from the current housing mix of 60.0% houses, indicating a decreasing availability of developable land and reflecting changing lifestyle choices and affordability constraints. The area has approximately 339 people per dwelling approval, showing a low density market. Projections indicate Coffs Harbour will add 3,958 residents through to 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Residential development is keeping reasonable pace with this anticipated growth, though home buyers might experience greater competition as the local population increases.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the suburb of Coffs Harbour recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the suburb of Coffs Harbour area has seen 165 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Coffs Harbour's current population of 28,089 has been supported by 136 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's development activity compare to the broader region?
The suburb of Coffs Harbour has seen 0.5 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.58 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 338 people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour, compared to one for every 192 in the broader region.
Is the suburb of Coffs Harbour keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 3,958 people by 2041, around 1,979 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels may be insufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This indicates potential housing shortages if current approval trends continue.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Coffs Harbour's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 136, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is expected to grow by 3,958 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 1,979 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour has grown by approximately 3,881 people, while 681 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 5.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 136 approvals per year and a population of 28,089, there appears to be a supply shortfall relative to projected demand, presenting strong opportunities for residential developers. With the population expected to increase by 3,958 people by 2041, around 1,979 new dwellings will be necessary. Current approval trends may be insufficient to meet forecast demand, indicating strong development opportunities.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Coffs Harbour

Development applications around Coffs Harbour

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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Coffs Harbour

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AreaSearch tracks 16 current infrastructure and development projects inside Coffs Harbour, worth an estimated $3.87 billion. A further 23 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.82 billion. 14 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and new developments are key factors in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 projects expected to influence the local area. The most significant projects include the Coffs Harbour Bypass, The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, Coffs Harbour Affordable Housing, and Elements at Coffs, with details provided for those of greatest relevance.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Coffs Harbour include: Coffs Harbour Bypass (Construction); The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living (Construction); Coffs Harbour Affordable Housing (Under Assessment); Elements at Coffs (Construction); and Pacific Bay Resort Studios & Village (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Coffs Harbour spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Health & Medical, and Transport & Logistics, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $3.7 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the suburb of Coffs Harbour vicinity.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Coffs Harbour demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living
Category: Health & Medical
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Luxury retirement living and residential aged care village at Park Beach, Coffs Harbour. The project includes 185 architecturally designed independent living apartments and townhouses and 120 residential aged care beds, with resort-style facilities including a community hub, swimming pool, cafe, Bombora Bar, gardens, recreation facilities and a secure gated community. The aged care home and earlier stages are open, while final stages of the retirement village are underway and marketed as more than 65 percent sold.

Health & Medical

Coffs Harbour Bypass
Category: Transport & Logistics
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A $2.27 billion, 14-kilometre four-lane divided bypass of Coffs Harbour on the Pacific Highway, jointly funded by the Australian Government ($1.76 billion) and the NSW Government ($440 million) and delivered by Transport for NSW. The scope covers about 12 km of new highway, about 2 km of upgraded highway, three twin-tube tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road (each carrying two traffic lanes plus a bicycle lane), the Englands Road interchange, the Korora bus interchange and the Luke Bowen pedestrian bridge servicing a local primary school, plus local access and service roads.Tunnel excavation is complete and as at mid-2026 the project is in its final construction stretch: mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and electronic signage systems are being fitted out in the tunnels, mock rock treatments are being applied to tunnel portals, the last cut site near West Korora Road is being crushed out, and work has started on the final bridge, the southbound Pacific Highway underpass north of Opal Boulevard at Korora. The bypass is scheduled to open to traffic in late 2026 with full project completion in late 2027. It will remove about 12,000 vehicles a day from the Coffs Harbour CBD, let motorists skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cut around 12 minutes from travel times and improve road safety and freight efficiency. As the final section of the Hexham to Queensland border upgrade, it completes a motorway-standard, traffic-light-free route between Sydney and Brisbane once the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension opens. The project has supported more than 600 direct jobs during construction.

Transport & Logistics

TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour Campus Upgrade
Category: Education & Training
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   

A $29 million capital investment to modernise facilities and expand vocational training capacity at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus. The upgrade delivers state-of-the-art trade workshops, contemporary laboratories, and technology-enabled learning spaces to support regional skills demand.

Education & Training

Elements at Coffs
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   

Elements at Coffs is a quality residential land release estate located just off Stadium Drive on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway in Coffs Harbour. Positioned halfway between Coffs Harbour and Sawtell, it offers generous reserves and open spaces. The development is actively selling Stage 4 and provides convenient access to the airport, health campus, education facilities, and shopping centres.

Residential Development

Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct Revitalisation
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Under Assessment | Est. Comp: 2030
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

NSW Government and Property and Development NSW proposal to revitalise the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore as a mixed-use coastal precinct with improved public open space, tourism and hospitality uses, about 250 homes, about 200 tourist accommodation rooms, retail and commercial activity, cultural recognition, accessibility upgrades, a regional adventure playground, waterplay and staged public domain works. The rezoning proposal was exhibited from 19 May to 30 June 2025 and remains under assessment by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.In April 2026, City of Coffs Harbour placed a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement on exhibition, including an updated NSW Government offer for about AUD 10.85 million in community space and public domain improvements if the proposal proceeds.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Pacific Bay Resort Studios & Village
Category: Arts & Culture
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 0
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A proposed $600 million privately funded, fully integrated feature film production and post-production complex on the 46-hectare Pacific Bay Resort at Coffs Harbour. The precinct will include purpose-built sound stages, virtual production facilities, a water tank, animation and post-production suites, a hotel, an Olympic museum, an art gallery, and educational facilities. Backed by actor Russell Crowe and producer Keith Rodger, the project holds SSD application number SSD-22536006 as a State Significant Development. In August 2025, the NSW Government committed $5.5 million (conditional on development approval and construction commencement) for a noise wall along the adjacent Coffs Harbour Bypass, removing the last major obstacle to the project.Updated SEARS documents are being compiled for lodgement with the NSW Department of Planning, with the DA process expected to take one to two years. Industry partners include Sony, AFTRS, NIDA, TAFE, Southern Cross University, Epic Games, Lux Machina, ARRI, and Spectrum Films.

Arts & Culture

Coffs Harbour Affordable Housing
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   

State Significant Development (SSD-83294209) by Homes NSW for a four to five-storey residential flat building containing 60 high-quality social and affordable housing units. The approved project includes a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom dwellings, a single basement level with 31 car parking spaces, 1,239 square metres of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,804 square metre site. It was approved by the NSW Government on 16 April 2026 to help address local housing needs.

Residential Development

Ocean Parade Apartments
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Under Assessment | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   

A State Significant Development featuring two seven-storey buildings with 80 apartments (31 one-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom, and 13 three-bedroom units) across a 3,055 sqm beachfront site. The development includes 1,150 sqm of communal open space, 121 parking spaces (105 residential, 6 visitor), central courtyard with pool and kitchen on level one, and a 380 sqm rooftop garden with landscaping and kitchen facilities. Designed by Stewart Architecture, the project will demolish existing Ocean Park Motel and Holiday Apartments to create premium beachfront living opposite Park Beach.

Residential Development

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Coffs Harbour

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11,693 residents of Coffs Harbour are employed, from a labour force of 12,418. Unemployment sits at 5.8%, with participation at 53.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 31,250, about 111% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

Data aggregated from statistical areas by AreaSearch shows Coffs Harbour possesses a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 11,693 residents employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is also considerably lower at 53.0% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census figures indicate that a low 10.3% of employed residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment fields for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area shows a distinct concentration in health care & social assistance, where its share of employment is 1.3 times the regional rate. Conversely, manufacturing is underrepresented at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for every resident recorded during the Census points to local job opportunities being higher than average. An analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas reveals that during the year leading to March 2026, local employment grew by 1.5% and the labour force expanded by 0.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 1.2 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 0.9% and the labour force shrink by 0.4%, while its unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Coffs Harbour. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to estimate future trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these specific industry projections to the local workforce mix suggests Coffs Harbour should see employment rise by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, using a simple weighting extrapolation for illustration that does not account for local population projections.

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
As of March 2026, the suburb of Coffs Harbour has approximately 11,693 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.8%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Coffs Harbour stands at 5.8%, which is 1.7 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
What are the major employment sectors in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The employment landscape in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (21.4% of employment), retail trade (12.1%), and accommodation & food (11.0%). Other significant employers include education & training and construction.
How has employment changed recently in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Coffs Harbour has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fall. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 53.0%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
Which industries are over-represented in the suburb of Coffs Harbour's employment market?
The suburb of coffs harbour shows notable specialization in health care & social assistance, which employs 21.4% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% regionally. This moderate specialization indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
What are the employment growth prospects for the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the suburb of Coffs Harbour's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 6.8% over the next five years and 14.1% over ten years. This exceeds the national forecast of 6.6% over five years, suggesting the area's industry composition is well-positioned for future growth. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare nationally?
The suburb of coffs harbour's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 3.9% growth, ranking 4.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Skilled workers will find good opportunities in the suburb of Coffs Harbour, with skilled sectors accounting for 37.2% of employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (21.4%), education & training (8.6%), and professional & technical (4.7%). With projected employment growth of 6.8% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Coffs Harbour

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Median household income in Coffs Harbour is $1,231 a week (about $64,000 a year), with median personal income at $652 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,629 a year against an average of $58,092. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

Postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows that taxpayers in the suburb of Coffs Harbour had a median income of $45,629 and an average income of $58,092. These figures are below the national averages and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $50,338 for median income and $64,087 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Coffs Harbour were all positioned between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally.

The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.0% of the local population (7,864 individuals), which is close to the regional representation of 29.9% for this group. Housing affordability presents a severe challenge, with residents retaining only 80.1% of their income, which ranks in the 12th percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is approximately $50,338. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $45,629.
What is the average taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is approximately $64,087. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $58,092.
How does the median taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is approximately $50,338 compared to $57,797 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $45,629 and $52,390 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is approximately $64,087 compared to $71,945 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $58,092 and $65,215 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the suburb of Coffs Harbour according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~28.0% / 7,864 persons) of the suburb of Coffs Harbour's population is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.0% of the population. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $1,231/wk.
What is the median family income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $1,542/wk.
What is the median personal income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $652/wk.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's income rank nationally?
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the suburb of Coffs Harbour had a median income among taxpayers of $45,629 with the average level standing at $58,092. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,338 (median) and $64,087 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $4,272 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's disposable income compare to the region?
The suburb of coffs harbour's disposable income is $4,272 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Coffs Harbour

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Coffs Harbour had 10,666 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 60% detached houses and 21% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 41% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $355 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 28.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 32.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

The dwelling mix in Coffs Harbour at the time of the latest Census was 60.0% houses and 40.0% other dwelling types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative options, compared to Regional NSW where houses made up 82.6% and other dwellings accounted for 17.4%. Home ownership in Coffs Harbour was lower than the Regional NSW average at 34.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (25.1%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 matched the Regional NSW average, whereas the median weekly rent was higher at $355 compared to Regional NSW's $330.

Nationally, mortgage repayments in Coffs Harbour are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, 34.1% of homes are owned outright, 25.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 40.8% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are houses?
According to the latest data, 60.0% of dwellings in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are apartments or units?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, 20.7% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 17.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Coffs Harbour stands at 34.1%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $1,733, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
What is the median weekly rent in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The median weekly rent in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $355, compared to $330 in Regional NSW.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, 3.6% of rentals are $0-149/week, 41.2% are $150-349/week, 52.8% are $350-649/week, 2.2% are $650-949/week, and 0.3% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is $1,062, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, households with mortgages typically spend 32.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 28.8% of their income on rent.
How crowded are homes in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the suburb of Coffs Harbour shows mortgage holders spending 32.5% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% regionally), while renters spend 28.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Coffs Harbour consists of 60.0% detached houses, 17.6% semi-detached dwellings, 20.7% apartments, and 1.7% other dwelling types.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Accounting for the local ownership mix, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,062. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $1,733/month, and renters paying $1,537/month.
How affordable is housing in the suburb of Coffs Harbour relative to local incomes?
Housing in Coffs Harbour consumes approximately 19.9% of median household income ($5,330 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Recent development applications in Coffs Harbour show attached dwellings contributing 56% of approvals compared to 40% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 44% of applications versus 60% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Coffs Harbour

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Coffs Harbour counted 10,666 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 83% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 62.6%, consisting of couples with children at 21.1%, couples without children at 26.0%, and single parent households at 14.4%. The remaining 37.4% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 33.3% and group households at 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Coffs Harbour had 10,666 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.7% to an estimated 11,060 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median household size in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 62.6% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (33.3%), group households (4.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 6,676 family households, 21.1% are couples with children, 26.0% are couples without children at home, and 14.4% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to regional household patterns?
Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Coffs Harbour shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 33.3% (versus 27.9% regionally). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 62.6% compared to the regional 68.8%. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
What is the average family size?
Families in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have an average of 1.8 children, matching the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
What are the marriage patterns in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Marriage patterns reveal 39.4% of the adult population are currently married, while 37.1% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 33.3% of all households in the suburb of Coffs Harbour, higher than the regional average of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 4.2% of households, well below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
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EducationSchools & Education in Coffs Harbour

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19.3% of adults in Coffs Harbour hold a university qualification, including 13.8% with a bachelor degree and 3.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.8% hold a vocational qualification. 14 schools serve the area, with 5,571 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 960 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

The region presents educational challenges, with university completion rates standing at 19.3%, which is considerably below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This situation highlights a need for targeted educational strategies. Among university degrees, bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 28.8%. Enrolment in education is quite strong, with 29.9% of the population actively participating in formal study.

This comprises 10.1% of residents in primary school, 7.9% in secondary school, and 3.7% enrolled in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have university qualifications?
19.3% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have no formal qualifications?
40.9% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% regionally.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's education level compare to national averages?
The suburb of coffs harbour ranks in the 33th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are: Certificate (28.8%), Bachelor Degree (13.8%), Advanced Diploma (10.9%).
What proportion of the suburb of Coffs Harbour's population is currently attending educational institutions?
29.9% of the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is currently engaged in formal education, with 10.1% in primary school, 7.9% in secondary school, 3.7% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 960, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
How many schools are located within the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
There are 14 schools within the suburb of Coffs Harbour, with a combined enrollment of approximately 5,571 students.
What types of schools are available in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The suburb of coffs harbour includes 8 primary schools, 6 secondary schools.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Coffs Harbour

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Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Coffs Harbour

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Public transport in Coffs Harbour reaches 279 stops on 138 routes, timetabled for about 2,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

An assessment of public transport shows 279 active stops in Coffs Harbour, which include a combination of train and bus services. These stops are connected to 138 distinct routes that provide a total of 2,385 passenger trips every week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 173 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute elsewhere, and private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel, used by 92% of commuters. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average.

A relatively low proportion of residents (10.3%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic circumstances at that time. Services average 340 runs per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 8 weekly trips per transport stop. The layout of the 100 closest stops to the center of the area is illustrated on the accompanying map.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Coffs Harbour?
There are 279 public transport stops within the suburb of Coffs Harbour.
How frequent are the transport services in Coffs Harbour?
the suburb of Coffs Harbour has 2,385 weekly trips across 138 routes, averaging 340 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Coffs Harbour?
On average, residential properties are 173 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Coffs Harbour

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62.5% of residents in Coffs Harbour report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 8.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

Analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions by AreaSearch indicates significant health challenges in Coffs Harbour, with common illnesses affecting both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population, which equates to about 14,027 people, compared to a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues locally, affecting 10.5% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.5% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, which is slightly below the 63.3% recorded across Regional NSW.

The working-age cohort has elevated rates of chronic illnesses, representing a notable challenge. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 22.0% of the population (6,179 people), which is lower than the Regional NSW proportion of 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align generally with national trends.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have private health insurance?
Around 49.9% of people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 51.9% in the broader region of Regional NSW.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, 8.1% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
7.6% of people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Diabetes affects 4.3% of the the suburb of Coffs Harbour population, while in the surrounding region, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
4.8% of people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour have heart disease. Across the region of Regional NSW, 4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the suburb of Coffs Harbour, 49.9% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 51.9%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Coffs Harbour

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Coffs Harbour is largely Australian-born, at 81.0% of residents, with 12.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.9%) and Australian (27.4%). 4.9% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Coffs Harbour is comparable to the wider regional average, with citizens making up 84.5% of the population, 81.0% of residents born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 51.1% of the population. The most notable deviation from regional averages is in the Other category, which represents 3.4% of residents in Coffs Harbour compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW. Regarding parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries in Coffs Harbour are English at 29.9%, Australian at 27.4%, and Other at 9.5%.

There are minor differences in the proportions of other groups, with Australian Aboriginal residents making up 4.9% of the population (compared to 4.6% across the region), Welsh at 0.5% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and Samoan at 0.1% (compared to 0.1% regionally).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
Coffs Harbour was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking English only at home.
What is the most common religion in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The main religion in Coffs Harbour was found to be Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of people in Coffs Harbour. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.
What are the top countries of origin in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coffs Harbour are English, comprising 29.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.9% of Coffs Harbour (vs 4.6% regionally), Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.5%) and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
19.0% of the the suburb of Coffs Harbour population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% regionally.
What percentage of the the suburb of Coffs Harbour population speaks a language other than English at home?
12.8% of the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in the wider region.
How many people in the suburb of Coffs Harbour identify as Australian Aboriginal?
4.9% of the the suburb of Coffs Harbour population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
84.5% of the the suburb of Coffs Harbour population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Coffs Harbour

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The median resident of Coffs Harbour is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 25.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

The median age in Coffs Harbour is 42 years, which is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years but older than the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 25 to 34 are highly represented at 12.7%, while those in the 65 to 74 age bracket make up a smaller proportion (10.8%) than is typical in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.5% to 12.6%, whereas the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 12.1% to 10.8%. Population projections for 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow the most at 26%, adding 910 people to reach 4,478, while the 65 to 74 age group is projected to decrease by 38.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
According to the latest data, the median age in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 42 years.
How does the suburb of Coffs Harbour's median age compare to broader areas?
At 42 years, Coffs Harbour is comparable to the Regional NSW average (43 years) yet 4 years older than the national average (38 years).
What age groups are over-represented in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The most over-represented age group in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 12.7% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The most under-represented age group in the suburb of Coffs Harbour compared to the Regional NSW region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 10.8% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is broadly in line with the Regional NSW region.
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The percentage of children aged 0-14 years in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 17.2%.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the suburb of Coffs Harbour?
The percentage of people aged 65 and over in the suburb of Coffs Harbour is 22.0%.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Coffs Harbour

Data currency Refreshed

9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026.
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Aug 2026 this month all 16 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 633 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (27,089 at the 2021 Census → 28,089 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10959). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.

Common questions about this page

How do Coffs Harbour suburb boundaries differ from Statistical Areas?
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census/statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
Where does the data on this Coffs Harbour page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments.
Is the Coffs Harbour data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (Jun 2026), property sales & rents (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to May 2026), age profile (to May 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Aug 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

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