Raymond Terrace

Raymond Terrace 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, Raymond Terrace's estimated population is around 14,103. This shows a 650 person increase (4.8%) since the 2021 Census figure of 13,453. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,863 residents in Jun 2024 and 126 additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 348 persons per square kilometer. Raymond Terrace's growth rate of 4.8% is close to its SA3 area's rate of 5.4%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 45.0% of overall population gains, with natural growth and overseas migration also positive factors.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using a base year of 2021 are adopted. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate above median population growth for locations outside capital cities, with Raymond Terrace expected to increase by 2,431 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Raymond Terrace when compared nationally

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Raymond Terrace averaged approximately 38 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling around 193 homes. In FY-26 to date, 4 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 3.9 new residents is associated with every home built in the past five financial years. This results in a significant demand exceeding supply, often leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new properties is around $299,000. In FY-26, there have been approximately $23.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of NSW, where Raymond Terrace records markedly lower building activity (55.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's new development consists of 74.0% detached dwellings and 26.0% attached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are estimated to be around 510 people in the area per dwelling approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Raymond Terrace is projected to add approximately 2,417 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Raymond Terrace has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a given area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 13 such projects that could impact this area. Notable among these are the Raymond Terrace Indoor Sports Facility, the Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan, the Tomago Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the Raymond Terrace Housing Delivery Program. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Raymond Terrace face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Raymond Terrace has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 9.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 5773 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of NSW's at 5.4%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels 1.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. In a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.6%, with employment down by 2.3%, causing unemployment to fall slightly. Conversely, Rest of NSW saw employment drop by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Raymond Terrace's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Raymond Terrace had a median income among taxpayers of $45,993 and an average level of $55,866. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,068 (median) and $60,816 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Raymond Terrace fall between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 31.4% of the population, or 4,428 individuals, have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the regional average of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Raymond Terrace, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Raymond Terrace's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Raymond Terrace was at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 40.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Raymond Terrace was $325, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Raymond Terrace's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Raymond Terrace has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.6% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up 31.4%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (33.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.4%, comprising 11.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Raymond Terrace has 139 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 97 different routes that together facilitate 2,254 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is considered excellent, with residents on average being just 144 meters away from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 322 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Raymond Terrace faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~6,920 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 13.2 and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 59.3% in Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.6% (2,341 people), compared to the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

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

Raymond Terrace, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity score below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 91.9% being citizens and 91.8% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 96.2% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 53.2%, compared to 57.4% across Rest of NSW. Ancestry-wise, Australian (31.9%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%) were the top three groups. Notably, Welsh (0.6% vs regional 0.7%), Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Macedonian (0.1% vs 0.1%) ethnicities showed higher representation in Raymond Terrace compared to the region.

Raymond Terrace's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Raymond Terrace is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.8% of the population in Raymond Terrace, compared to a higher prevalence in Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort makes up 9.4% of the population in Raymond Terrace. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.8%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Raymond Terrace, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 40%, reaching a population of 2,913 from 2,087. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.