Long Jetty

An assessment of population growth drivers in Long Jetty reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Long Jetty's population is estimated at around 7,012 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 276 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,736 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,966, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,760 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Long Jetty's 4.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Long Jetty's population expected to reduce by 384 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 280 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Long Jetty when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Long Jetty has averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals annually. An estimated 240 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 43 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $503,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. In comparison, Greater Sydney has 65.0% less building activity per person than Long Jetty, offering buyers greater choice. This year alone, $649,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. The current new building activity shows 28.0% standalone homes and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 54.0% houses. This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Long Jetty has around 97 people per approval, reflecting a low-density area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Long Jetty has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects expected to affect the region: Vera's Water Garden Upgrade, Lakeside Shopping Centre Redevelopment, The Entrance Waterfront Plaza Accessible Playspace, and Central Coast Shared Pathway Network - Magenta Extension. These are the most relevant projects.

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.

Employment performance in Long Jetty has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Long Jetty's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of a past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.2%. In September 2025, 1.8% more residents were unemployed compared to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation was lower at 57.4% versus Greater Sydney's 70.0%.

A significant 26.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with construction being particularly concentrated at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services were underrepresented at 4.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force grew by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.4%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Long Jetty's employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years based on its current mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Long Jetty had a median income among taxpayers of $47,307. The average income stood at $58,821. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,498 (median) and $64,033 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Long Jetty all fall between the 13th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of locals (1,935 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Long Jetty displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Long Jetty, as evaluated at the latest Census on 28 June 2016, comprised 54.2% houses and 45.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Long Jetty was at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented dwellings at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $360, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Long Jetty's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.2% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households at 37.1% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Long Jetty shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 11.0% of residents and certificates by 29.5%. Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Long Jetty has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 49 different routes that together facilitate 1,480 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 151 meters away from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Long Jetty residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions, a high proportion (26.8%) of residents work from home.

The service frequency across all routes averages 211 trips per day, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Long Jetty is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Long Jetty faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,522 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (9.7%). 60.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Long Jetty has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1%, compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Long Jetty ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Long Jetty's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.2%), and speaking English only at home (92.7%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Long Jetty, comprising 58.3%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.7%, higher than the regional average of 17.8%), English (29.5%, higher than the regional average of 19.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Maltese, Maori, and Spanish ethnicities have higher representation in Long Jetty compared to regional averages: Maltese at 1.1% vs 1.0%, Maori at 0.7% vs 0.4%, and Spanish at 0.5% vs 0.6%.

Long Jetty hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Long Jetty is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, and also considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Long Jetty has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 increased from 7.6% to 10.0%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Long Jetty's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 76%, reaching 469 from 266. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.