Coffs Harbour

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Coffs Harbour is around 28,089, reflecting an increase of 1,000 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.7% increase from the previous census figure of 27,089 residents. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses, is 28,039 people. This results in a population density ratio of 610 persons per square kilometer. Coffs Harbour's growth since the census places it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving the area's population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,008 persons to reach a total of 32,097 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.1% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Coffs Harbour when compared nationally

Coffs Harbour has seen approximately 134 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 670 homes were approved, with a further 66 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This pace of new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new homes being constructed is $512,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $125.1 million have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Coffs Harbour has recorded construction levels 18.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This higher level of construction activity supports good buyer choice and maintains existing property values, although there has been a recent easing in construction activity.

New development in Coffs Harbour consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition, which is predominantly houses (60.0%). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Coffs Harbour is 370 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 3,958 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Coffs Harbour Bypass, The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, Coffs Harbour Affordable Housing, and Elements at Coffs. 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.

Coffs Harbour shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Coffs Harbour has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%. As of December 2025, 11,844 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 53.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.3% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance had a particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employed just 3.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.8%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated above-average local employment opportunities. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, and labour force increased by 2.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Coffs Harbour. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coffs Harbour's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Coffs Harbour suburb had median taxpayer income of $45,629 and average income of $58,092. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Coffs Harbour is approximately $50,338 and average income is $64,087 as of March 2026. As per 2021 Census figures, incomes in Coffs Harbour fall between 15th and 19th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 28.0% (7,864 people) of locals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to surrounding region at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 80.1% of income remaining, ranking at 12th percentile nationally.

Coffs Harbour displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Coffs Harbour, as per the latest Census evaluation, 60.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 40.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differed from Regional NSW's composition of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coffs Harbour stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.1% and rented ones at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $355, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Coffs Harbour's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $355 compared to the national figure of $375.

Coffs Harbour features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.6% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households making up 33.3% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Coffs Harbour fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate was 19.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational credentials were prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation was high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Coffs Harbour has 279 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 138 unique routes, facilitating a total of 2,385 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average residing just 173 metres from their nearest transport stop. Predominantly residential, most Coffs Harbour residents commute outwards, with cars remaining the primary mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.3% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 340 trips is made daily, translating to roughly eight weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map highlights the 100 nearest stops to the location's central point.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Coffs Harbour. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately half (50%) of the total population (~14,027 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (10.2%). Conversely, 62.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population faces notable chronic condition rates. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (6,179 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

In terms of cultural diversity, Coffs Harbour records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coffs Harbour's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 84.5% being citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 51.1%. The 'Other' category shows overrepresentation at 3.4%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (29.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.5%). Notable divergences include Australian Aboriginal at 4.9% (vs 4.6%), Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.5%), and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).

Coffs Harbour hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Coffs Harbour's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 12.7%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 10.8% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Coffs Harbour. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 910 residents to reach 4,478. Meanwhile, numbers in the 65-74 age range are expected to fall by 38%.