Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Nambucca Heads' population is estimated at around 6,896 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 221 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,675 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,796, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 223 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nambucca Heads' 3.3% growth since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 80.0% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 896 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Nambucca Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nambucca Heads had approximately 37 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 185 homes. By June 2026, 17 approvals have been recorded so far this year. On average, around one person has moved to the area per dwelling built yearly between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meets or exceeds demand. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is approximately $453,000.

This financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $11.1 million. Nambucca Heads maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the rest of NSW, supporting market stability. Around 82% of new developments are detached dwellings, with 18% being medium and high-density housing.

This results in approximately 173 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Nambucca Heads is projected to add 773 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Nambucca Heads has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA), Vista Apartments, Nambucca Heads Lifestyle Estate, and the conversion of 14-22 Boundary Street Macksville into serviced apartments/tourism accommodation. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Nambucca Heads face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Nambucca Heads has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 7.9%, with an estimated growth of 0.9% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,305 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 36.5%, significantly lower compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 4.1% of Nambucca Heads's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of NSW. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 7.9%. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a slight employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Nambucca Heads. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nambucca Heads's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows Nambucca Heads had a median income of $38,936 and an average income of $53,456 among taxpayers. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year ending June 2022, estimated median income for Nambucca Heads as of September 2025 is approximately $43,846 and average income is estimated at $60,197. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Nambucca Heads fall within the 0th to 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 37.8% of locals (2,606 people) earn between $400 - $799 per week, differing from regional patterns where earnings predominantly lie in the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 29.9%. This indicates a significant proportion of lower-income residents, with 48.3% earning less than $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of Nambucca Heads. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Nambucca Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Nambucca Heads' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 73.1% houses and 26.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro NSW had 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambucca Heads was 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.3% and rented ones at 35.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330. Median weekly rent in Nambucca Heads was $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Nambucca Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nambucca Heads features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.7% of all households, including 13.6% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 42.4% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Nambucca Heads faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.7%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.6%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 8.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. Nambucca Heads's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,229 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 936. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.8 places per 100 residents vs 13.1 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Nambucca Heads has 36 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 30 individual routes operating, providing a total of 370 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 309 meters. On average, there are 52 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Nambucca Heads is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Nambucca Heads, where a range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,319 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.4 and 10.3% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 51.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 58.0% across Rest of NSW. The area has 36.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,530 people), which is higher than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Nambucca Heads is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Nambucca Heads had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens and 87.4% born in Australia. English was spoken by 96.2% of residents at home. Christianity was the main religion, practiced by 54.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 54.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 7.5%, as were Scottish residents at 8.3% versus 7.5%. Welsh residents were underrepresented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

Nambucca Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Nambucca Heads is 57 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Nambucca Heads has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.0%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 8.2% to 9.2%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 15.6% to 14.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nambucca Heads' age structure. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow by 191 people (30%), increasing from 634 to 826 individuals. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.