San Remo (NSW)

San Remo is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of San Remo (NSW) is around 4,658, reflecting a growth of 224 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 4,434 for the suburb. This increase represents a 5.1% change in population compared to the previous census figure. AreaSearch's estimate is based on an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which estimated the resident population at 4,655, along with validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for San Remo as of this estimation is 2,043 persons per square kilometer. This figure exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

The suburb's growth rate since the 2021 census (5.1%) surpassed both its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural population growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains for San Remo 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 covered by this data. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth for national areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, San Remo is expected to expand by 46 persons by 2041, reflecting a reduction of 1.3% in total population over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in San Remo according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates San Remo experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval per year. An estimated 74 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further six approved in FY-26 so far.

On average, 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, suggesting new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new dwellings was $338,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Compared to Greater Sydney, San Remo has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 50th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 74.0% detached dwellings and 26.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining San Remo's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 325 people per dwelling approval, San Remo shows characteristics of a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, San Remo may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

San Remo has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this region: Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre Expansion, Waratah Super Battery, Charmhaven Master-Planned Housing Community, and Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment are key projects, with the following details focusing on 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 San Remo faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

San Remo has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.6% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 1.4% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. There are 2,077 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, which has a share 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical jobs account for just 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 2.8%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to San Remo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows San Remo's median income among taxpayers is $46,329. The average income in San Remo during this period was $53,030. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Sydney, the median income was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for San Remo would be approximately $52,171 (median) and $59,717 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in San Remo all fall between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest segment comprises 35.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,644 residents), which is similar to patterns seen in the region where 30.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in San Remo, with only 79.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in San Remo, as per the latest Census, was 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 86.2% houses and 13.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in San Remo stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented dwellings at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Sydney metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent in San Remo was $380, close to Sydney metro's figure of $385. Nationally, San Remo's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

San Remo features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 22.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.7%, substantially lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.1%).

Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. Northlakes Public School and Northlakes High School serve a total of 1,125 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 915) and functions as an education hub with 24.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 23 active stops operating within San Remo, with a mix of buses serving these locations. These stops are covered by 33 individual routes, offering a total of 856 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 207 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in San Remo is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in San Remo. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,233 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.6 and 10.5% of residents respectively. About 59.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 61.5% across Greater Sydney. San Remo has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (675 people), lower than the 22.3% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

San Remo, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 91.2% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.0%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 0.5%.

Ancestry-wise, Australians topped at 32.6%, followed by English at 30.3% and Australian Aboriginal at 7.6%. Notable differences included New Zealanders at 1.0% (regional average: 0.7%), Maltese at 1.0% (same as regional), and Maori at 0.7% (regional average: 0.6%).

San Remo hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

San Remo's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, San Remo has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population of those aged 75-84 has grown from 3.9% to 4.6%. Conversely, the population of those aged 45-54 has declined from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes for San Remo's population. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 90%, adding 79 residents to reach a total of 168. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 and 55-64.