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

The population of the suburb of North Haven (NSW) is estimated to be around 1,580 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 1,619 people, representing a drop of 39 individuals or approximately 2.4%. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident populations using data released by the ABS in June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 268 persons per square kilometer for North Haven, indicating ample space per person and potential room for further development. The primary driver of population growth in North Haven has been interstate migration, contributing approximately 85% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are utilized. Projected demographic shifts suggest an above median population growth for regional areas nationwide. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, North Haven is expected to increase its population by 280 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 17.7% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in North Haven, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

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 42 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $431,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Haven records about 67% of building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas, suggesting somewhat 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 who prefer detached housing.

This emphasis on detached housing is more pronounced than current patterns suggest (61.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval in North Haven is 362 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show the area adding approximately 279 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development appears to be keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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 that may impact this region. Key projects include 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 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates North Haven faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

North Haven has a balanced 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 December 2025527 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher by 0.8% compared to Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in North Haven lags behind Regional NSW at 38.5% versus 60.5%. Only 10.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The main industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. North Haven specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8% compared to Regional NSW's average of 5.3%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population. In the 12-month period prior, labour force decreased by 5.1% alongside a 5.9% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within North Haven over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections to North Haven's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

North Haven's median taxpayer income was $37,147 and average was $46,217 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $40,981 and average $50,987, based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. North Haven's incomes fell between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally in 2021 Census figures. The $400 - 799 earnings band captured 38.8% of North Haven's community, compared to the broader area's dominant band of $1,500 - 2,999 at 29.9%. Financial pressure was evident with 48.4% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, 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). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Haven was at 56.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.3% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,495, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in North Haven was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, North Haven's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 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 account for the remaining 42.3%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.0%). School and university attendance makes up 19.0% of the community, with 7.4% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.0% of the community. This includes 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 211 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 180 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, primarily by car (91%), while 6% walk. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 30 trips per day, translating to roughly 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 per AreaSearch's assessment, released on April 18th, 2022. 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 (~715 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.1%) and mental health issues (9%). Meanwhile, 50.2% report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. North Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 44.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly 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. Its population is predominantly Australian citizens, with 90.3% being citizens and 89.6% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1%.

Christianity is the dominant religion, making up 59.9%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.7%), Australian (33.7%), and Scottish (9.9%). Notably, Welsh representation is higher at 0.6% in North Haven than regionally (0.5%), while Australian Aboriginal representation is lower at 3.7% compared to 4.6%. French ancestry 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 notably older than Regional NSW's median age of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing North Haven's age distribution with that of Regional NSW, the 65-74 age group is markedly over-represented at 22.8%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 6.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, North Haven's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 13.6% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 11.1% to 9.7%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 7.5% to 6.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in North Haven's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 81 people (an 83% rise) from 97 to 179. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. In contrast, the 55-64 age cohort is projected to show minimal growth, increasing by just 2 people (a 1% rise).