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, the suburb of North Haven's population is estimated at around 1,762 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 143 people (8.8%) 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 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 299 persons per square kilometer. North Haven's growth of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), 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 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 is projected nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 351 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.2% 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 shows North Haven averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 40 homes. As of FY26, there has been 1 approval recorded. On average, 3.7 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $431,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Haven records about 62% of building activity per person and ranks among the 48th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. New development consists of 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 will add approximately 304 residents by 2041, with development keeping reasonable 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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. One project is identified by AreaSearch as impactful: 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 are key projects. Relevant ones are listed below.

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

North Haven has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025628 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of NSW's at 3.8%.

Workforce participation in North Haven is lower at 44.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses show that only 10.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The main industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. North Haven has a high specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force increased by 0.5% while employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that North Haven's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of North Haven has a median taxpayer income of $37,147 and an average income of $46,217 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is 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 for 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 fall between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.8% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, while broader area patterns show dominance in the $1,500 - $2,999 band at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 48.4% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are 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). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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. The median weekly rent figure in North Haven was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, North Haven's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,495 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 2.4.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity 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 (7.3%) and certificates (36.0%).

School and university attendance comprises 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, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 22 different routes, offering a total of 211 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is excellent, with residents living an average of 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 91% of residents, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~798 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (15.1%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Only 50.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 43.6% of residents aged 65 and over (768 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.7%), Australian (33.7%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notable differences exist in Welsh representation at 0.6% versus 0.5% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% versus 4.6%, and French at 0.5% versus 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. The 65 - 74 age cohort is notably over-represented in North Haven at 22.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.1%. This concentration of the 65 - 74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 7.5% to 6.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in North Haven's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 85 people (85%) from 100 to 186. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.