Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Sandy Beach's population is estimated at around 3,247, reflecting an increase of 334 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 11.5% rise from the previous figure of 2,913. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,112 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 240 persons per square kilometer. Sandy Beach's growth exceeded both the SA3 area (5.4%) and non-metro areas, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch projects future population dynamics based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Sandy Beach statistical area (Lv2) is expected to increase by 636 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Sandy Beach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Sandy Beach averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 39 homes. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 6.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating demand outpacing supply which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $695,000, revealing developers targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $10.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sandy Beach shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and places among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is similarly under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 501 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Sandy Beach will gain 409 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sandy Beach 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 four projects that may affect this region: 15-17 Pine Crescent & Ti-Tree Road Residential Subdivision, Seacrest Estate, PP-2023-1583 - Sandy Beach Community Hub Re-zoning, and Sandy Beach Reserve Community Hub and Active Youth Space Project. The following details those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Sandy Beach shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Sandy Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,394 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 62.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with mining employing just 0.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 2.5%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force increased by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sandy Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Sandy Beach, median income is $49,058 and average income is $60,353. This is lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,405 (median) and $65,700 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Sandy Beach rank modestly, between the 39th and 41st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 40.1% of locals (1,302 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sandy Beach, with only 81.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile.

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

In Sandy Beach, as per the latest Census data, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.1% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling composition of 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandy Beach stood at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 44.2% and rented properties accounting for 26.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,810, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Sandy Beach was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $370. Nationally, Sandy Beach's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Sandy Beach features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, consisting of 30.6% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Sandy Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 20.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (32.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Sandy Beach has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together offer 161 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Sandy Beach is rated as good, with residents on average located 201 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Sandy Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Sandy Beach has below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average among both younger and older residents. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,650 people), compared to 48.7% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.0% and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (513 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of NSW.

Sandy Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sandy Beach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Sandy Beach, comprising 36.9% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category makes up 6.5%, compared to 3.3% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.8%), English (29.2%), and Irish (8.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% (vs regional 4.0%), Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Sandy Beach's population is younger than the national pattern

Sandy Beach's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Sandy Beach has a notably higher proportion of people aged 35-44 (15.5%) and a lower proportion of those aged 75-84 (4.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 14.0% to 15.5%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 12.1% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Sandy Beach's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 18%, adding 92 residents to reach 596, while the 65-74 group is expected to decrease by 18 residents.