Flinders (NSW)

Flinders lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Flinders (NSW) is around 7,391, reflecting a 3.8% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,118 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing an estimated resident population of 7,196 for Flinders. The current population density stands at 3,199 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Flinders has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors. AreaSearch's projections for Flinders are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

By 2041, Flinders' population is projected to increase by 3,167 persons, reflecting a total increase of 44.1% over those 17 years.

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

Flinders has averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, an estimated 39 homes were approved, with three more approved in the current financial year 2026. This results in around 14 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over the past five financial years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

The average construction value of new homes is $603,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $2.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Flinders shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 88.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 74.0% houses.

The location has approximately 530 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Flinders is expected to grow by 3,259 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Flinders has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services, The Waterfront Shell Cove, Shell Cove Sport and Recreation Facility, and Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program. Relevant details follow.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Flinders maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Flinders has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.5%.

The past year showed relative employment stability. This rate is 0.2% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is higher at 66.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.6%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Flinders. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Flinders's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Flinders shows a median taxpayer income of $52,491 and an average of $66,990 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,110 (median) and $75,437 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($2,103 weekly), while personal income sits at the 53rd percentile. The largest segment comprises 36.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,682 residents). High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, placing disposable income at the 71st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

Flinders is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Flinders' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.7% houses and 26.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Flinders was at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 24.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Flinders was $2,167, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $490 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Flinders' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Flinders features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.8% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.2%, with lone person households at 15.6% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Flinders aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 30.9%. Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary (11.3%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (3.4%) education. Flinders Public School serves the area, enrolling 514 students. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1002 indicating typical Australian school conditions. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 7.0 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 14.2, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 43 active stops operating within Flinders. These comprise a mix of buses, served by 43 routes offering 493 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Flinders is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Flinders demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, though this is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~3,949 people) of the total population have private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.9% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.3%, report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.2% across Rest of NSW. As of June 2021, the area has 13.8% (1,019 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Flinders' population shows cultural diversity similar to the broader region, with 83.7% born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 84.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Flinders at 62.8%, compared to 57.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.2%), Australian (25.5%), and Other (7.6%).

Notably, Macedonian (6.5%) Spanish (1.5%), and Serbian (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.9%, 1.0%, and 0.5% respectively.

Flinders's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Flinders is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 14.8% of Flinders' population, a significant representation compared to Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort makes up only 4.2%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.8% to 14.8%, while the 5-14 age group has declined from 15.7% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Flinders, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 63% (565 people), reaching a total of 1,467 from its current figure of 901.