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, the Long Jetty statistical area's population is estimated at around 7,006 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 270 people (4.0%) 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 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,758 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Long Jetty's 4.0% 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, 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, 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 area's population expected to reduce by 378 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 283 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Long Jetty averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 240 homes were approved, with an additional 43 so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The average construction value of these dwellings is around $503,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $649,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Long Jetty has 65.0% more building activity per person. The new building activity comprises 28.0% standalone homes and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 54.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Long Jetty has around 97 people per approval, reflecting a low density area.

With stable or declining population forecasts, there may be less housing pressure in Long Jetty, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Long Jetty 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 four projects that may impact the area. Key projects are Vera's Water Garden Upgrade, Lakeside Shopping Centre Redevelopment, The Entrance Waterfront Plaza Accessible Playspace, and Central Coast Shared Pathway Network - Magenta Extension.

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 has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 3.1%. As of September 2025, there were 3,195 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 6.0%, 1.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction had notable concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.6%, versus the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 3.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Long Jetty's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023, Long Jetty suburb had median income among taxpayers at $47,307 and average income at $58,821. These figures are lower than national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from financial year ended 30 June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $51,498 and average income is $64,033 as of September 2025. As per the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Long Jetty fall between 13th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of locals (1,933 people) predominantly earn within $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to broader regional trends at 30.9%. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Long Jetty, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.2% houses and 45.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Long Jetty was at 32.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (42.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Sydney metro's average of $1,900. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Long Jetty's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.5.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, comprising primary education (8.4%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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

The analysis of public transportation in Long Jetty indicates that there are currently 41 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a variety of bus routes, totaling 49 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate approximately 1,480 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 151 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to around 211 trips per day, equating to roughly 36 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, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately half (50%) of Long Jetty's total population (~3,519 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.7%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly below Greater Sydney's figure of 61.5%. Long Jetty has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 25.9% (1,814 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 22.3%. The health outcomes among seniors in Long Jetty are generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 89.2% holding citizenship and 86.2% being born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 58.3%, slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 56.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australians comprised 29.7%, English 29.5%, and Irish 9.7% of the population. Some ethnic groups showed notable disparities: Maltese were overrepresented at 1.1% compared to 1.0% regionally, Maori at 0.7% versus 0.6%, and Spanish at 0.5% against 0.3%.

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 Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Long Jetty has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 7.6% to 9.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 declined from 10.0% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Long Jetty's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 35%, increasing from 665 to 900 people. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 100% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decrease in number.