Gosford

Gosford 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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Gosford statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,172 people. This reflects a growth of 299 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,873. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 4,887 in June 2024 and validation of 50 new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,729 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.1% since 2021 surpassed both the SA3 (3.1%) and SA4 regions, indicating it as a growth leader. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration contributing approximately 66.0%.

AreaSearch projects future trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Gosford (SA2) is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 1,688 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total gain of 28.1% over the seventeen-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Gosford among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gosford has seen around 51 new homes approved each year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 258 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $382,000. In FY26, $20.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Gosford has 192.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity comprises 5.0% detached dwellings and 95.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 160 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Gosford will gain 1,452 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the M1 Pacific Motorway Kariong to Somersby Widening, Gosford Alive - Kibbleplex Site, Sapphire Gosford, and Residential Towers - Watt Street and Henry Parry Drive. The following list details projects of particular relevance.

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 in Gosford demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Gosford has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,023 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation at 64.4%. Resident employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.7 times the regional level. Finance & insurance representation is lower at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gosford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Gosford is $57,428 and average income is $74,215. In comparison, Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (an estimated period of 2 years and 3 months), current estimates for Gosford's median income are approximately $62,516 and average income is $80,790. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($885 weekly) and household income at the 30th percentile in Gosford. Income brackets indicate that 34.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,784 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 76.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Gosford features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gosford's dwelling structure in 2016 comprised 4.1% houses and 95.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gosford stood at 13.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.5% and rented dwellings at 66.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,665, below Sydney metro's average of $2,150. Median weekly rent in Gosford was $390, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Gosford's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 48.8% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 51.2%, with lone person households at 43.9% and group households making up 7.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than Greater Sydney's average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Gosford is notably high, with 36.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This figure exceeds both the SA4 region's 20.8% and the SA3 area's 25.7%. The most prevalent university qualifications are bachelor degrees (24.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 33.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (21.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.8% in tertiary education, 5.5% in primary education, and 3.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Gosford's public transport system operates through 60 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 120 individual routes, facilitating 5,745 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 820 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 95 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gosford's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Gosford's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at standard levels. Private health cover is very high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~2,909 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.7%) and asthma (7.8%). A majority, 67.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 64.8% in Greater Sydney. Gosford has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 14.7% (760 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Gosford was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gosford has a high level of cultural diversity, with 30.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Gosford, comprising 39.1% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented in Gosford, making up 7.9% of the population compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (23.6%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (14.6%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%), Korean (1.2%), and Filipino (2.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Gosford compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.8% respectively.

Gosford's population is younger than the national pattern

Gosford's median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Gosford at 26.1%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 5-14 age group is less prevalent at 5.4%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.7% to 4.7% of Gosford's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 6.4% to 5.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gosford. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, with an addition of 261 people (a 19% rise) from 1,349 to 1,611 individuals.