Lake Cathie

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

The population of Lake Cathie is estimated at around 4,872 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 576 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,296 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,585 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 486 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 253 persons per square kilometer. Lake Cathie's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 966 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Lake Cathie averaged around 77 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 389 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new homes being constructed is $431,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, Lake Cathie has recorded $6.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When measured against the Rest of NSW, Lake Cathie records 127.0% more building activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while offering some options for those seeking higher density living.

With around 61 people per approval, Lake Cathie reflects a developing area with potential for population growth. Future projections, based on current development patterns, suggest Lake Cathie could add 679 residents by 2041. This indicates that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Glen Eden Estate, Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve Master Plan, Whitewater Terrace Development at Lake Cathie, and Rainbow Beach Estate. The following details those expected to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Lake Cathie ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Lake Cathie has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,913 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Lake Cathie lags behind Regional NSW at 51.0%, compared to 61.3%. According to Census responses, 14.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Lake Cathie's labour force decreased by 1.4% while employment declined by 1.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Regional NSW recorded a 1.2% employment decline, 0.8% labour force decline, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Lake Cathie's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Lake Cathie has a lower income level compared to the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lake Cathie is $46,987, with an average income of $58,451. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Lake Cathie as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,150 (median) and $63,630 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lake Cathie all fall between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $800 - $1,499 income bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (1,403 people), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains, ranking Lake Cathie at the 20th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Lake Cathie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Cathie stood at 54.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 17.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,850, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Lake Cathie was $380, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lake Cathie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,850 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

Lake Cathie has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.8 percent of all households, including 24.2 percent couples with children, 40.9 percent couples without children, and 9.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.2 percent, with lone person households at 23.1 percent and group households comprising 1.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (32.9%).

A significant 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lake Cathie has 39 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 different routes that collectively facilitate 251 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 212 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 35 trips per day, equating to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lake Cathie's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Lake Cathie shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions align closely with national benchmarks.

Prevalence of common health issues is low across all age groups. About 50% (~2,439 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.3%) and mental health issues (7.8%), with 60.2% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Lake Cathie has 32.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,578 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, matching national rankings for the general population.

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

Lake Cathie, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 89.0% born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.6%. This figure is slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (32.7%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, Maltese (0.6%) and French (0.5%) populations were proportionally higher than the regional averages of 0.4% each. Conversely, the Australian Aboriginal population was lower at 3.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 4.6%.

Lake Cathie ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Lake Cathie is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lake Cathie at 18.0%, compared to Regional NSW's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.5%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.6% to 11.9% of the population, while the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for Lake Cathie indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 25%, adding 136 residents to reach a total of 672. Conversely, the number of people in the 55-64 age range is expected to fall by 12%.