North Haven (NSW)

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of North Haven (NSW) is around 1,762. This represents an increase of 143 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,619. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,639 in June 2024 and five additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 299 persons per square kilometer. North Haven's population growth of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 337 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, North Haven averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over the same period is around 3.4 per year, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $431,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY-26, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Haven records about 65% of the building activity per person and places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. New development consists of approximately 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (61.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 377 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show North Haven adding approximately 214 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

North Haven 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 one major project likely to impact the region. Key projects include Beach to Beach Shared Path, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals North Haven recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

North Haven has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 617 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in North Haven is significantly lower at 42.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses show that only 10.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. North Haven has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5% and employment declined by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Haven's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of North Haven had a median taxpayer income of $37,147 and an average income of $46,217 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Regional NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $40,438 and the average income $50,312, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in North Haven fall within the 0th to 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 38.8% (683 individuals) earn between $400 and $799, differing from broader area patterns where earnings of $1,500 to $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 48.4% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

North Haven's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Haven stood at 56.1%, with mortgaged properties at 13.3% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,495, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in North Haven was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, North Haven's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,495 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $310.

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

Family households constitute 57.7% of all households, including 11.6% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.3%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 7.3% and certificates for 36.0%.

School and university attendance makes up 19.0% of the community, including 7.4% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Haven has 16 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are connected by 22 different routes, offering a total of 211 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 180 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 91%, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

Only 10% of residents work from home (2021 Census), which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Each route sees an average of 30 trips daily, amounting to around 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

North Haven faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 45% of the total population (around 798 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.1% of residents) and mental health issues (9.0%), while 50.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. North Haven has a larger senior population, with 44.0% aged 65 and over (775 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees North Haven placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

North Haven was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in North Haven is Christianity, comprising 59.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (35.7%), Australian (33.7%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notably, Welsh representation is higher at 0.6%, while Australian Aboriginal is lower at 3.7%. French representation is also slightly higher at 0.5%.

North Haven ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

North Haven's median age is 61 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's median age of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, North Haven has a notably larger proportion of residents aged 65-74 (22.8% locally vs. the regional average), while those aged 5-14 are under-represented (6.4%). This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, North Haven's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 13.6% to 15.3%, and those aged 15 to 24 increased from 6.9% to 8.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 declined from 18.1% to 16.8%, and those aged 5-14 decreased from 7.5% to 6.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in North Haven's age structure. The number of residents aged 85+ is projected to grow by 82 people (an increase of 79%), reaching a total of 186 individuals. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 61% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends in North Haven. Conversely, the number of residents aged 55 to 64 is projected to decline by 15 people.