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

The population of Long Jetty, as estimated by AreaSearch based on analysis of ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 6,813 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 77 people (1.1%) from the previous population count of 6,736 in the 2021 Census. AreaSearch's estimate is derived from a resident population of 6,800, as estimated following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population density equates to approximately 2,682 persons per square kilometer, placing Long Jetty in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 1.1% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary population growth for Long Jetty.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to this methodology, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 416 persons by 2041 due to overall demographic shifts. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is expected to expand by 274 people over this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Long Jetty according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Long Jetty averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 176 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home in the area has been about 0.2 per year between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings developed during this period was $503,000. There have also been $354,000 in commercial approvals recorded in the current financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Long Jetty has seen slightly more development activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 54.0% houses).

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 316 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Given the expected stability or decline in population, Long Jetty should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Long Jetty has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact the area: 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 key projects likely 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.

The labour market performance in Long Jetty lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Long Jetty's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 3,123 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.9% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 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 a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Long Jetty has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $47,307 and the average is $58,821. In contrast, Greater Sydney has a median income of $56,994 and an average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $53,272 (median) and $66,238 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that Long Jetty's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 13th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of residents (1,880 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Long Jetty, with only 77.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 recorded at 32.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (42.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Long Jetty was $1,950, higher than Sydney metro's $1,900. 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 comprise 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%. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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, 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. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Analysis shows 41 active transport stops in Long Jetty, all bus services. These stops are covered by 49 routes, offering 1,359 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically 151 meters from nearest stop.

Services average 194 trips daily across all routes, around 33 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

Health data shows significant issues in Long Jetty, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% of the total population (~3,422 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (9.7%). 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 61.5%. Long Jetty has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.0% (1,771 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.2% of its population being Australian citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Long Jetty is Christianity, accounting for 58.3% of the population, compared to 56.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are Australian (29.7%), English (29.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher than average at 1.1%, Maori at 0.7%, and Spanish at 0.5%.

Long Jetty hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Long Jetty is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years. This figure is 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 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 7.6% to 9.6%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has declined from 10.0% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Long Jetty's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 36% (236 people), reaching a total of 891 from 654. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 100% 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 see reduced numbers.