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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of San Remo (NSW) is around 4,707. This reflects an increase of 273 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,434 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,649 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 results in a density ratio of 2,064 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. San Remo's growth rate of 6.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% 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. Demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth of national areas, with San Remo expected to expand by 51 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 in San Remo shows approximately 12 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 62 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This suggests new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $338,000. In FY-26, $53,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Comparatively, San Remo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Sydney. Nationally, it places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in San Remo consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 350 people per dwelling approval, San Remo shows a developed market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, San Remo may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

San Remo has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre Expansion (2021-2023), Waratah Super Battery (commencement 2022), Charmhaven Master-Planned Housing Community (expected completion 2024), and Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment (planned for 2023).

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals San Remo recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

San Remo has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably represented with an unemployment rate of 6.0% and estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 2,145 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.8% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in San Remo is lower at 61.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. San Remo has a particular specialization in construction, employing 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.0% alongside labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to San Remo's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that San Remo has a median income among taxpayers of $46,329 and an average of $53,030. This is lower than the national average. Greater Sydney, meanwhile, has a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,030. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for San Remo would be approximately $50,434 (median) and $57,728 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in San Remo fall between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 35.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,661 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

San Remo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

San Remo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in San Remo stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in San Remo was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, San Remo's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

San Remo features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 25 active stops operating within San Remo, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 33 routes, offering a total of 899 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 96%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 128 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per stop.

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

San Remo faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,257 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 59.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (701 people), with senior health outcomes broadly in line with national rankings.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. It had 91.2% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 47.0%.

The most significant overrepresentation was in Other, with 0.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 1.4%. In ancestry, Australian (32.6%) and English (30.3%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 17.8% and 19.0%, respectively. Australian Aboriginal (7.6%) was also notably higher than the regional average of 1.3%. New Zealanders (1.0%), Maltese (1.0%), and Maori (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 0.4% respectively.

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 considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, San Remo has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 11.5% to 12.8%, while the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.8% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for San Remo. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 92%, adding 82 residents to reach a total of 172. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 93% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 35-44 and 15-24.