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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Nambucca Heads's population is estimated at around 6,843. This reflects an increase of 168 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,675. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,781 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 221 persons per square kilometer. Nambucca Heads's 2.5% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.0%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to expand by 896 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.1% 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 36 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025, totalling around 183 homes. By June 2026, 25 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about one person moving to the area per dwelling built yearly between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $453,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals reached $11.6 million. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nambucca Heads maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability. Detached dwellings make up 82.0% of new developments, with medium and high-density housing at 18.0%, preserving the area's low density character.

With around 178 people per dwelling approval, Nambucca Heads exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Nambucca Heads is projected to add 826 residents by 2041, suggesting current development patterns should readily meet demand and facilitate potential 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 potentially influencing 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 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.

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. Key industries are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

Employment in accommodation & food is high at 1.8 times the regional average. Public administration & safety employment is lower at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. As of September 2025, there are 2,293 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 8.2%. This rate is 4.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Nambucca Heads lags at 36.5%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.5%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ due to the specific industry mix in Nambucca Heads.

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

The suburb of Nambucca Heads has an income level below the national average, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Nambucca Heads is $38,936, with an average income of $53,456. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $42,386 (median) and $58,192 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Nambucca Heads all fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 37.8% of residents (2,586 people), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.9%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 48.3% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

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

Nambucca Heads' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.1% houses and 26.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambucca Heads was at 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. The median weekly rent figure in Nambucca Heads was $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, 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's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.6%). A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.9% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 47 active transport stops operating within Nambucca Heads. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 32 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 384 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 296 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual 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% (~3293 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.4%) and mental health issues (10.3%), while 51.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 58.0% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 36.7% (~2511 people), compared to 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 88.4% being Australian citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.3% of the population, slightly higher than the 54.2% average across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 7.1%, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Scottish ancestry was also higher than average at 8.3% versus 7.5%, while Welsh ancestry was slightly above the regional average at 0.5% compared to 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 Australia's median age 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 the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has grown from 8.2% to 9.2%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has declined from 15.6% to 14.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nambucca Heads' age structure. The number of residents aged 35-44 is projected to increase by 196 people (31%), from 629 to 826. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.