East Gosford

Population growth drivers in East Gosford are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, East Gosford's estimated population is around 4,943. This reflects a growth of 552 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,391. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,696 in Jun 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,387 persons per square kilometer, placing East Gosford in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 12.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded its SA3 area (3.1%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in East Gosford.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the East Gosford statistical area is forecasted to increase by 1,970 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 34.5% over the 17-year period.

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

East Gosford has seen approximately 45 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 227 homes. In FY-26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. Each new resident gained per year averages two dwellings built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand supporting property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $382,000.

This financial year has seen $25.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, East Gosford records 172.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice despite a slowdown in building activity recently. Recent construction comprises 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the current housing pattern of 38.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. East Gosford reflects a transitioning market with around 264 people per approval. Future projections estimate East Gosford to add 1,707 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace despite growing competition as population increases.

Future projections show East Gosford adding 1,707 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Sapphire Gosford, Residential Towers on Watt Street and Henry Parry Drive, Gosford Alive at the Kibbleplex Site, and Amalfi by ALAND. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in East Gosford exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

East Gosford has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of September 2025, 2,359 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is slightly lower than standard at 55.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with healthcare showing strong specialization at 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points in East Gosford. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted slightly by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Gosford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, East Gosford had a median income among taxpayers of $49,252 and an average level of $63,649. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,616 (median) and $69,288 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 40th percentile ($759 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. 28.2% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

East Gosford's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.0% houses and 62.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Gosford was 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented ones at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's $2,150. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, East Gosford's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 57.1 percent of all households, consisting of 20.9 percent couples with children, 22.7 percent couples without children, and 12.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.9 percent, with lone person households at 40.0 percent and group households comprising 2.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

East Gosford has a lower proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees compared to Greater Sydney, with 28.7% versus 38.0%. The most common degree held is the Bachelor's degree at 18.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 37.4% holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 14.4%, while certificates make up 23.0%.

Educational participation is high in East Gosford, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Gosford has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 98 different routes that together facilitate 2,386 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 157 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 340 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

East Gosford faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing high prevalence of common conditions across various age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (9.7%), with 63.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 64.8% in Greater Sydney. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 25.7% (1,270 people) of the population, higher than Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in East Gosford was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Gosford had a cultural diversity index above average, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in East Gosford, comprising 53.6% of the population, slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 53.4%. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.1%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Korean (1.0%) and Spanish (0.7%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, while New Zealand ethnicity was slightly higher at 0.8%.

East Gosford hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

East Gosford has a median age of 44, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeds the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 9.6% of East Gosford's population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.5% to 9.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.4% to 10.6%. Demographic projections indicate that East Gosford's age profile will change significantly by 2041. By then, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 84%, reaching 873 people from its current size of 474.