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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, North Haven's population is estimated at around 1,729 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 110 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,619 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,639 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 294 persons per square kilometer. North Haven's 6.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% 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 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected. The North Haven (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is expected to increase by 354 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 19.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for North Haven shows an average of approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 40 homes. In FY-26 so far, there has been 1 approval recorded. The area has seen an average of about 3.7 people moving in annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $431,000.

There have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Haven records about 62% of the building activity per person and places among the 48th percentile nationally, suggesting 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 and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 339 people per dwelling approval, North Haven indicates a developing market. Future projections estimate North Haven to add about 338 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

North Haven has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Beach to Beach Shared Path, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, 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 assessment indicates North Haven faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

North Haven has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025620 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in North Haven is lower at 36.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in accommodation & food employment, with a share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 1.1%, raising unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $40,438 (median) and $50,312 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in North Haven all fell within the 0th to 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 38.8% of individuals earned between $400 and $799, while across broader areas, earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominated at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicated widespread financial pressure, with 48.4% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures were 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Haven stood at 56.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.3% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,495, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in North Haven was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, North Haven's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,495 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.3 people.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 11.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.3% and certificates at 36.0%.

School and university attendance encompasses 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 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of bus routes totalling 22. Together, these routes facilitate 211 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in North Haven is rated excellent, with residents on average being located 180 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 30 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

North Haven faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 45%, covering around 783 people, compared to 48.9% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.1%) and mental health issues (9%).

Conversely, 50.2% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of NSW's 59.9%. North Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 43.4%, with 750 individuals, compared to 28.7% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in North Haven, comprising 59.9%, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in North Haven are English (35.7%), Australian (33.7%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notably, Welsh representation is higher at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly lower at 3.7% versus 3.8%. French ancestry also shows a slight increase at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

North Haven ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

North Haven's median age is 61 years, which is significantly older than Rest of NSW's 43 and higher than the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Haven has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort at 23.0% locally, while its 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 5.9%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, North Haven's 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 7.5% to 5.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 18.1% to 17.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in North Haven's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly by 86 people (91%), expanding from 95 to 182. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, the 55 to 64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 3 people.