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

According to the latest ABS population updates and quarterly address audits, the suburb of Eden has an estimated population of 3,378 as of May 2026. This indicates a modest growth of 28 individuals (0.8%) from the 3,350 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. The calculation is based on the 3,377 figure calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, combined with an extra 70 validated new addresses added since the Census. With these figures, the suburb of Eden maintains a low density of 39 persons per square kilometer, ensuring residents enjoy substantial space. Interstate migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 70.0% of the total population gains in recent times.

Projections for the region rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, supplemented by NSW Government projections released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year where necessary. Growth rates by age brackets from these sources are extended to cover 2032 to 2041. These projections suggest a future contraction for the suburb of Eden, with the total population expected to decrease by 276 persons by 2041. Conversely, the demographic aged 85 and over is projected to grow, adding 108 people over the same timeframe. Refer to the age section for further analysis.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Eden recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Analysis of statistical building approvals indicates that the suburb of Eden averages approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually, with 69 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and one approval recorded so far in FY-26. An influx of 1.2 new residents per dwelling approval over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) indicates balanced supply and demand conditions, which have recently eased further to 0.5 residents per dwelling over the past 2 financial years. The typical expected construction cost for residential developments is $370,000. Additionally, commercial development remains a minor focus with $7.9 million in commercial approvals registered during this financial year.

Recent approvals consist of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, which preserves the traditional low-density profile of the area and emphasizes spacious homes suitable for families. Highlighting the low-density nature of the suburb of Eden, there are roughly 141 people for every residential approval.

Given the projections of a stable or declining population, the suburb of Eden is likely to experience less pressure on its housing supply, which could present favorable options for home buyers.

Eden has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure, major projects, and town planning initiatives are primary drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 projects expected to influence the area. Notable developments include the Eden Town Centre Revitalisation, Fenbury - Eden (Cattle Bay), Sapphire of Eden, and roadworks along Storey Avenue and the Princes Highway.

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

The local workforce shows a balanced distribution of white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong representation in tourism and hospitality, and an overall unemployment rate of 6.6%. As of March 2026, there are 1,301 employed residents. This unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is low at 48.2% compared to the regional average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a minor portion of residents (8.2%) worked from home, although this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Accommodation & food is a key local specialization, employing residents at a rate 1.6 times that of the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, accounting for 14.1% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% across Regional NSW. Census data comparing the working population to the resident population suggests a significant portion of workers commute outside the area for employment.

Over the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 2.2% and employment fell by 1.7%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 0.9% and the labor force shrink by 0.4%, while its unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage points. Future employment trends can be examined using Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May-25. Projecting these five and ten-year national growth rates onto the local industry profile suggests employment in the suburb of Eden could expand by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years. These projections are weighted projections for illustration and do not incorporate specific local population forecasts.

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

Taxpayer data from the financial year 2023 indicates a median income of $41,416 and an average income of $51,407. These figures are below the national average and compare to $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $45,690 for median income and $56,712 for average income as of March 2026. Incomes for households, families, and individuals all place between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. A significant cohort of 30.0% of taxpayers (1,013 people) earn between $400 and $799, contrasting with the broader metropolitan area where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 29.9%. Housing affordability is highly pressured, with residents retaining 84.3% of their income, placing the area in the 6th percentile.

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

According to the last Census, the housing mix consisted of 80.6% separate houses and 19.4% alternative housing types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership is high at 46.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (21.3%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,517, and the median weekly rent was $270, both below the Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, these housing costs are lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.

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

Families make up 63.6% of households, consisting of couples without children at 33.1%, couples with children at 17.7%, and single parents at 11.7%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households representing 33.8% and group households accounting for 2.6%. The typical household size is 2.2 people, which is 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

Educational attainment is relatively low, with university qualification rates at 14.6% compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Among those with tertiary credentials, Bachelor degrees are held by 10.5%, graduate diplomas by 2.2%, and postgraduate degrees by 1.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including 9.9% with advanced diplomas and 30.9% with certificates.

Enrolment in formal education is high, with 26.5% of the population participating. This comprises 10.0% in primary schools, 7.9% in secondary schools, and 1.8% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport options include 50 active bus stops within the suburb of Eden. These stops serve 19 routes and provide 274 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 206 meters from the nearest stop. Commuting patterns are typical of residential areas, with most workers traveling outside the suburb. Private cars are the main mode of transit at 92%, while 7% of residents walk to work. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 cars per household, below the regional average. Working from home was recorded at 8.2% in the 2021 Census, a figure likely influenced by temporary pandemic restrictions.

Bus routes provide an average of 39 trips daily across all lines, which translates to approximately 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

Health indicators highlight clear challenges in the suburb of Eden, characterized by high rates of chronic conditions across different age groups and low rates of private health insurance, which covers approximately 47% of residents (~1,598 people). This compares to a private coverage rate of 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common diagnoses are arthritis, affecting 12.7% of residents, and mental health conditions, affecting 8.6%. Meanwhile, 57.5% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age population. Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over make up 33.9% of the population (1,145 people), exceeding the Regional NSW proportion of 23.4%. Health challenges for this senior group are elevated compared to national trends.

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

Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizenship at 87.8%, Australian-born residents at 87.3%, and households speaking only English at 96.5%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 50.2% of residents, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

The most common ancestries are English at 33.4%, Australian at 29.2%, and Irish at 8.5%. Certain ancestries are more prominent than regional averages, with Australian Aboriginal residents making up 6.0% of the population (compared to 4.6% regionally), French at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%).

Eden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in the suburb of Eden is 53, which is older than the regional average of 43 and the national median of 38. The suburb of Eden features a high proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 (13.0%) compared to Regional NSW, and a lower share of younger adults aged 25 - 34 (7.6%). The proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 is also higher than the national average of 6.1%. This 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 9.7% to 13.0% of the population since the 2021 Census. Over the same period, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.9% to 9.9%, and the 65 to 74 group declined from 18.4% to 16.5%. Looking to 2041, projections suggest significant demographic aging, with the group aged 85 and over expected to grow by 72% (106 people) to reach 255 from 148. All projected population growth is concentrated in the 65 and over cohort, while the populations aged 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 are projected to contract.