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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Lake Haven is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
Lake Haven's population is estimated at around 3,607 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 78 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,529 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,604 residents in June 2025, with three additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,097 persons per square kilometer. Lake Haven's growth rate of 2.2% since census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 are used, with growth rates by age group applied until 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Lake Haven is expected to increase by 322 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.8% total increase over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Lake Haven is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Lake Haven averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply remains adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $205,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.
This financial year, Lake Haven has seen approximately $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lake Haven shows around 64% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 28th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises approximately 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options.
Lake Haven has around 604 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Future projections estimate an addition of 319 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential increased competition as the population grows.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Lake Haven
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Lake Haven has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area: Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment and Kanwal-Lake Haven-Gorokan Growth Corridor (Warnervale East / Greater Warnervale). Other notable projects include Madison Rise Estate and Gorokan Waterfront Masterplan & Foreshore Revitalisation.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mardi Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
An $82.5 million major upgrade to the Mardi Water Treatment Plant to future-proof water security for over 210,000 residents. The project introduces Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) technology and new flocculation tanks to handle poor raw water conditions such as algal blooms and high turbidity. Key works include new chemical dosing systems, a new access road, and electrical switch rooms to ensure a reliable supply of up to 160 million litres of water per day.
Greater Warnervale Structure Plan
A long-term land use planning framework adopted by Central Coast Council in July 2024 and subsequently endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to guide growth across the Greater Warnervale area to 2041. Covering a 3,900 hectare study area, the plan provides a 20 year framework to support population growth from around 20,162 residents to approximately 57,000, accommodating an additional 10,130 dwellings and capacity for around 8,500 new jobs. Ten precincts are identified for staged rezoning and detailed planning, including Wyong Employment Zone with Central Coast Airport, Warnervale Village, Wallarah Residential, Warnervale Town Centre and the Charmhaven and Kanwal precincts. Two new neighbourhood centres replace the previously planned Warnervale Town Centre at full scale, following the withdrawal of the proposed North Warnervale rail station. The plan also delivers significant biodiversity protections including corridors of 50 to 100 metres minimum width and ongoing safeguards for Porters Creek Wetland, supports a network of upgraded sports and community facilities, and forms the basis for amendments to local environmental plans, development control plans and contributions plans.
Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant
A proposed seawater desalination water treatment plant adjacent to the existing Toukley Sewage Treatment Plant, being developed as a 'plan ready' drought response project under the Central Coast Water Security Plan. The current concept is a reverse osmosis facility with an initial capacity of 30 ML/day, with provision in the EIS for staged expansion up to 40 ML/day to support normal water supply if needed. The preferred design uses a direct ocean intake located around one kilometre offshore from Jenny Dixon Reserve, with the transfer pump station relocated to the desalination plant site (replacing the earlier Lakes Beach underground well concept under Budgewoi Beach) and connected by a deep tunnel bored about 25 metres below ground. Brine would be discharged via the existing Norah Head ocean outfall. Council is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement, with a community drop-in session held in August 2025 and another planned for the second quarter of 2026. The plant would only be constructed if dam storage falls below the 45 percent trigger at Mangrove Creek Dam, with construction estimated to take 3 to 4 years once activated. GHD has been appointed as the specialist consultant supporting concept design and statutory approvals.
Warnervale Water and Sewer Infrastructure Program
A comprehensive infrastructure program supporting the Greater Warnervale growth corridor. Key works include the $82.5 million Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade, which involves adding Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) systems to increase capacity to 160 million litres per day. The program also encompasses the $144 million Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade and the completed 9.4km Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline to ensure long-term water security for over 210,000 residents.
High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Line 1)
High Speed Rail Line 1 will connect Newcastle to Sydney on a new dedicated 194km rail line with trains capable of speeds up to 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels. Around 115km of the route will run through tunnels. The line will reduce travel time between Newcastle and Sydney to around one hour, with Central Coast trips of about 30 minutes. Six stations are proposed at central Newcastle (Broadmeadow), Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast (Gosford), Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. Following release of the business case in early 2026, the project moved into a two-year Development Phase, with the Australian Government investing a further $230 million for design refinement, environmental and planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The first two major contract packages went to tender in 2026: Area Package 1 (around 35km of twin TBM tunnels, an underground station and associated civil works) and Trains, Systems and Systems Integration (supply of trains, design of all systems, rail depot and operations control centre). The Newcastle to Sydney section is estimated to cost around $61.2 billion by 2039, with a further $32 billion to extend to Western Sydney International Airport by 2042. The project is forecast to support up to 15,000 construction jobs annually at peak and add around $250 billion to the Australian economy over a 50-year appraisal period.
Wyong Hospital Redevelopment
The $200 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment (completed 2021-2022) delivered a new six-storey clinical services building (Block H) with expanded emergency department, ICU, paediatrics, medical imaging (including the hospital's first MRI), additional inpatient beds, and a medical assessment unit; plus refurbishment of existing facilities adding operating theatre capacity, expanded medical day unit, transit lounge, and cancer day unit expansion. The project significantly increased healthcare capacity for the Central Coast community.
Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment
Proposed expansion and modernisation of Lake Haven Centre, a sub-regional shopping centre owned and managed by Vicinity Centres. Current GLA is approximately 43,207 sqm, anchored by Kmart, Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. As of February 2026, the project remains in the long-term planning phase; while a formal development application for a full-scale redevelopment is yet to be lodged, Vicinity Centres has recently completed a major $2 million solar installation as part of its sustainability upgrades for the site.
Central Coast Airport Precinct Development
The Central Coast Airport Masterplan, adopted by Central Coast Council on 25 February 2025, sets the framework for transforming the existing general aviation airfield at Warnervale into a regional general aviation, education and emergency services hub over the period 2025 to 2035. The plan retains the current 1200 metre runway length, upgrades the runway to Code 1B with the option to safeguard for future Code 2B operations, and adds night lighting to enable medevac and firefighting aircraft operations. Surrounding lands will be developed as an aviation business park supporting hangars, pilot training, aviation related manufacturing and a Bachelor of Aviation program in partnership with the University of Newcastle, with up to 90 student placements per year. Emergency services will be relocated from Arizona Road, Charmhaven, to the airport site. The Porters Creek Wetland and adjoining high value ecological areas will be protected through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement. Council resolved in December 2025 to proceed with the rezoning of the airport lands and surrounding wetlands, and is preparing a subdivision plan, planning proposal and Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report as the next implementation steps.
Employment
Employment performance in Lake Haven has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally
Lake Haven has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.2% as of an unspecified past year. Employment grew by 3.6% over the same period, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.
As of December 2025, Lake Haven had 1,429 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which was 2.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Lake Haven was lower at 49.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A moderate 19.4% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors.
Lake Haven has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical jobs have limited presence at 3.7% compared to the regional level of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise slightly by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Lake Haven's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using industry-specific projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
Lake Haven's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $41,739. The average income stood at $50,110 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,046 (median) and $55,281 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. According to the 2021 Census, Lake Haven's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.2% of Lake Haven's community, with a total of 1,089 individuals in this income bracket. This differs from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lake Haven, with only 77.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Lake Haven is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Lake Haven's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Haven stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged properties at 25.6% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Lake Haven was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lake Haven's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Lake Haven features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 62.8% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 18.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Lake Haven faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area has university qualification rates of 9.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (34.3%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, comprising primary education (9.6%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (2.9%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Lake Haven has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 64 different routes that combined provide 3,798 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 150 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Lake Haven residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in the area.
According to the 2021 Census, 19.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 542 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Lake Haven is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Lake Haven faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,688 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.4% of residents) and mental health issues (11.2%). Conversely, 51.8% report having no medical ailments, lower than the 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Lake Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.3% (1,092 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Lake Haven ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Lake Haven's cultural diversity was below average, with 86.9% citizens, 83.5% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Lake Haven at 59.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.8% in Lake Haven versus the regional average of 1.3%. Maltese and Hungarian also showed slight differences with 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Lake Haven hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Lake Haven has a median age of 49, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and also above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.5%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 9.9% compared to Greater Sydney. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.6% to 11.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Lake Haven's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 35%, reaching 549 people from the current figure of 407. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting Lake Haven's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.