Evans Head

An assessment of population growth drivers in Evans Head reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Evans Head statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 3,112 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 205 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,907 people in the same area. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,014 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 139 persons per square kilometer. The Evans Head (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 7.1% from 2021 to Nov 2025, exceeding both the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.9% and the non-metro area's growth during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Evans Head (SA2).

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 Evans Head (SA2) expected to grow by 487 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,600 by the year 2041, reflecting a 14.3% increase over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Evans Head averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 40 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around 5.8 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This high demand-to-supply ratio typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes is $478,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Evans Head exhibits significantly reduced construction levels (54.0% below regional average per person), which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. New developments primarily consist of detached dwellings (86.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character appealing to those seeking space. The current population estimate is 468 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts suggest Evans Head will gain approximately 444 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Evans Head has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the region. Key projects are Woodburn Street Mixed-use Precinct, Evans Head (17 McDonald Place), Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector. The following 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Evans Head has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Evans Head has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,275 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Evans Head lags at 46.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Evans Head's labour force decreased by 2.0%, with employment decreasing by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from NSW up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Evans Head's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local 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 for financial year 2023 shows that income in Evans Head is below national average. Median income is $42,940 and average income is $51,229. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $46,744 (median) and $55,768 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Evans Head fall between the 6th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of locals (883 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from metropolitan regions where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Evans Head, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Evans Head displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Evans Head's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Evans Head was 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.3% and rented ones at 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,642, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Weekly rent in Evans Head was recorded at $321, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Evans Head's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.4% of all households, including 18.0% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 19.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, with a rate of 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Evans Head shows 79 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 15 individual routes. Together, they provide 224 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 102 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Evans Head is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Evans Head faces notable health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~1,470 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis (13.5%) and mental health issues (9.2%) are prevalent conditions in the area.

Conversely, 58.3% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 68.0%. The senior population (aged 65 and over) comprises 31.6% (983 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 23.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Evans Head placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Evans Head's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population is predominantly citizens, with 90.0% being so, and born in Australia at 92.5%. English is the language spoken exclusively at home by 97.2% of residents.

Christianity is the main religion in Evans Head, accounting for 57.1%, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.5%), English (30.7%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is higher than average at 9.6% versus the regional average of 9.0%. Hungarian ancestry is also slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2%, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry is higher at 4.1% against the regional average of 2.2%.

Evans Head ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Evans Head is 52 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Evans Head at 17.3%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.0% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Evans Head. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 125 residents and reaching 437. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 50% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to contract by 15 residents.