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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
As of Nov 2025, the Lake Haven statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,764. This reflects an increase of 235 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,529 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,642 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,188 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lake Haven's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both the SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, for covered areas. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Lake Haven's population is expected to increase by 352 persons, reflecting an increase of approximately 5.3% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lake Haven, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Lake Haven recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 49 homes were approved, with another 7 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.
New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $205,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. In the current financial year, Lake Haven has recorded approximately $2.5 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting its residential character. Relative to Greater Sydney, Lake Haven has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 28th percentile nationally. This indicates somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.
Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. Lake Haven has around 601 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts suggest Lake Haven will gain approximately 200 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Lake Haven has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally
The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment, Kanwal-Lake Haven-Gorokan Growth Corridor (Warnervale East / Greater Warnervale), Madison Rise Estate, and Gorokan Waterfront Masterplan & Foreshore Revitalisation. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
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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 enhance drinking water quality and security for over 210,000 residents. Key works include the construction of a new Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) clarifier, flocculation tanks, and upgraded chemical dosing facilities to handle poor raw water conditions such as algal blooms and high turbidity. The project will ensure a reliable supply of up to 160 million litres of water per day.
Greater Warnervale Structure Plan
A long-term strategic framework adopted by Central Coast Council in July 2024 to manage growth in the northern Central Coast over the next 20 years. The plan facilitates an expected population increase from 20,000 to approximately 57,000 residents, supported by 10,130 new dwellings. Key features include the establishment of two neighborhood centres, employment land development, and significant environmental protections for Porters Creek Wetland. As of 2026, the plan serves as the primary guidance for ongoing precinct-level rezonings and local infrastructure priority lists.
Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant
A proposed 30 ML/day reverse osmosis desalination plant to be built adjacent to the existing Toukley Sewage Treatment Plant. The project is a key drought response initiative under the Central Coast Water Security Plan, designed to be 'plan ready' with approvals in place for rapid construction if dam levels fall below critical triggers (currently 45% storage). It features a direct ocean intake structure located offshore between Noraville and Magenta to minimize beach impact and will provide a climate-independent water supply for up to 250,000 residents.
High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Stage 1)
The first stage of Australia's High Speed Rail network involves a 194km dedicated rail line connecting Newcastle to Sydney. The project features trains reaching speeds of 320 km/h on surface sections and 200 km/h in tunnels, aiming to reduce travel time to approximately one hour. Following the 2025 business case evaluation, the project has moved into a two-year Development Phase focusing on design refinement (to 40% maturity), securing planning approvals, and corridor preservation. The route includes approximately 115km of tunneling and six planned stations: Broadmeadow, Lake Macquarie, Gosford, Sydney Central, Parramatta, and Western Sydney International Airport.
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 development aims to upgrade the general aviation facility at Warnervale into a regional hub for aviation, education, and emergency services. Following the adoption of the Central Coast Airport Masterplan on 25 February 2025, the project focuses on upgrading the runway to Code 1B standards (maintaining the 1200m length), installing night lighting, and establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement for the Porters Creek Wetland. The precinct will include an aviation business park, hangars, and a relocation of emergency services to improve local accessibility and support a Bachelor of Aviation program.
Kanwal-Lake Haven-Gorokan Growth Corridor (Warnervale East / Greater Warnervale)
Long term residential growth corridor along the Pacific Highway between Kanwal, Lake Haven and Gorokan, forming part of the Warnervale East and Greater Warnervale urban release area. The corridor is planned to deliver around 4,000 new homes over more than 20 years, primarily as low density house and land estates supported by local parks, schools, neighbourhood centres and transport links. Most of the release area is already zoned and either developed or approved, with remaining stages guided by Central Coast Development Control Plan Chapter 5.37 and the 2024 Greater Warnervale Structure Plan. Delivery is occurring progressively through estates such as Rosella Rise and other private subdivisions, with full build out expected by the mid 2040s.
Employment
Employment drivers in Lake Haven are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia
Lake Haven has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented here with an unemployment rate of 6.5%.
Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,427 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Lake Haven is significantly lower at 40.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.
The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence here with only 3.7% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points in Lake Haven. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, with a rise in unemployment of only 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lake Haven's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of Lake Haven's median income among taxpayers was $41,739 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $50,110 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney had a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $45,437 (median) and $54,550 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lake Haven fell between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The income band of $400 - $799 captured 30.2% of the community (1,136 individuals), unlike regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominated with 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.4% of income remaining, 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
In Lake Haven, as per the latest Census data, dwellings consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Haven stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged properties at 25.6% and rented dwellings at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Sydney metro's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent in Lake Haven was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Lake Haven's mortgage repayments were below 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 2.5.
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's university qualification rate is 9.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (34.3%).
Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.6%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (2.9%).
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 a total of 64 different routes, which combined offer 3,798 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transports is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 150 meters from the nearest stop.
On average, there are 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering around 1,762 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 50.4% and the 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% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 61.5%. Lake Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9%, or 1,125 people, than Greater Sydney's 22.3%. The health outcomes among seniors largely mirror those of the general 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 found to be below average. Its population comprised 86.9% citizens, with 83.5% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Lake Haven's religious landscape, making up 59.7%, compared to 56.2% across Greater Sydney.
The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.8% in Lake Haven versus the regional average of 4.5%. Maltese representation stood at 0.7%, compared to 1.0% regionally, while Hungarian was at 0.3%, versus 0.2%.
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. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.2% of the population, while those aged 35-44 constitute 9.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.5%, whereas the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Lake Haven's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 34 people, reaching 565 from 421. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 85% of total population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.