Eden

Eden is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Eden is around 3,437, reflecting an increase of 87 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,350. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,368 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 67 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Eden's growth rate of 2.6% since the census is within 2.6 percentage points of the SA4 region's 5.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Population projections indicate a decline in total population by 274 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group expected to expand by 95 people.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 274 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 95 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Eden shows an average of 13 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 65 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. This results in about 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this has eased to 1 person per dwelling over the past two financial years due to increased supply availability.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $370,000. This financial year, Eden has seen $7.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature.

New development consists of 75% detached houses and 25% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. With around 150 people per approval, Eden is a low density area. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified ten relevant projects, including key ones like Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Fenbury-Eden (Cattle Bay), Sapphire of Eden, and Storey Avenue-Princes Highway roadworks.

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.

The labour market performance in Eden lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Eden has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Tourism and hospitality sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 6.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,287 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Eden lags at 47.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 8.2% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Eden has a strong specialization in accommodation & food (employment share is 1.6 times the regional level), but health care & social assistance has limited presence at 14.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Eden's labour force decreased by 4.6% and employment declined by 4.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Eden's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Eden's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Eden's median income among taxpayers is $41,416. The average income in Eden is $51,407. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Eden would be approximately $45,085 (median) and $55,962 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Eden fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.0% of locals (1,031 people) earn within the $400 - $799 category, unlike surrounding regions where the $1500 - $2999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Eden, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Eden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Eden's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.6% houses and 19.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eden stood at 46.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (21.3%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Eden was $270, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Eden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.6% of all households, including 17.7% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Eden faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high at 26.5%, comprising primary education (10.0%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Eden has 50 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by 19 routes offering 274 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically 206 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward daily. Car use dominates at 92%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below regional average.

Home work rate was low at 8.2% in 2021 Census. Service frequency averaged 39 trips per day across all routes, about 5 weekly trips per stop.

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

Eden faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of Eden's total population (around 1,626 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Eden are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). Conversely, 57.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Eden has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.2%, with 1,175 people, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Eden has a cultural diversity below the average, with 87.8% citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 50.2% of Eden's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 6.0% in Eden versus 4.6% regionally, while French and Hungarian representations are also notably higher at 0.6% and 0.3% respectively compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.2%.

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Eden's median age is 53, higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Eden has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.8%). The concentration of those aged 75-84 is significantly above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, Eden's population has seen an increase in the 75 to 84 age group from 9.7% to 13.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 15.6% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.9% to 9.9% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 18.4% to 16.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Eden's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 67%, reaching 241 people from 144. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.