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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of San Remo (NSW) is around 4,626. This figure reflects an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,434. The latest resident population estimate of 4,624 by AreaSearch, based on the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validated new addresses, indicates this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 2,028 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. San Remo's population growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.4%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% to recent overall population gains in the suburb.

AreaSearch is utilizing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. These projections anticipate lower quartile growth nationally, with San Remo expected to expand by 2 persons to reach 4,628 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 shows San Remo experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 62 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over these years resulted in about 2.3 new residents annually, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $338,000. This financial year has seen $53,000 in commercial approvals registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, San Remo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice which supports interest in existing homes. This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. San Remo has around 356 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

San Remo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely influencing 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 analysis reveals San Remo recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

San Remo has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is particularly prominent. According to AreaSearch data from the past year, unemployment was 6.0% and employment growth was estimated at 4.0%.

As of December 2025, there were 2,163 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is 1.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in San Remo was 62.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Based on Census responses, 13.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Employment specialization in construction was notable, with a share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 4.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within San Remo. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to San Remo's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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 ending June 2023 indicates San Remo's median taxpayer income is $46,329, with an average of $53,030. This is lower than the national average. Greater Sydney's median income during this period was $60,817 and average was $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for San Remo as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,110 and $58,503 respectively. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in San Remo fall between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 35.3% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,632 residents), reflecting regional patterns where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining post-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 structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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, lower than 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 significantly 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 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 comprise the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households making up 4.1% of the total. 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 the most common at 5.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.6%), secondary (8.7%), and tertiary (2.7%).

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 in 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. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, higher than 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,218 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively, while 59.7% report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.

Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (652 people), lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for 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: 91.2% were citizens, 91.3% were born in Australia, and 96.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated at 47.0%. Notably, the 'Other' religion category was underrepresented compared to Greater Sydney (0.6% vs 1.4%).

Ancestry showed significant overrepresentation of Australian (32.6%, regional avg: 17.8%), English (30.3%, regional avg: 19.0%) and Australian Aboriginal (7.6%, regional avg: 1.3%) groups. Other ethnic groups with notable representation included New Zealand (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), Maltese (1.0% vs regional 1.0%), and Maori (0.7% vs regional 0.4%).

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 percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 11.5% to 12.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.8% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for San Remo. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 98%, adding 81 residents to reach a total of 165. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 92% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 35-44 and 55-64.