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 November 2025, Sandy Beach's population is estimated at around 3,113 people. This reflects an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,913 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,096 as of June 2024, following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 230 persons per square kilometer. Sandy Beach's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with Sandy Beach expected to increase by 637 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sandy Beach averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 40 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded.

On average, around 6.2 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply. New homes are constructed at an average value of $695,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sandy Beach has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 45th percentile for areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Sandy Beach's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 375 people, indicating a quiet development environment. Population forecasts project Sandy Beach will gain 544 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Sandy Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region: 15-17 Pine Crescent & Ti-Tree Road Residential Subdivision, Seacrest Estate, PP-2023-1583 - Sandy Beach Community Hub Rezoning, 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.

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.

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 significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of June 2025.

This rate is 1.2% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. The workforce participation rate in Sandy Beach is 62.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with mining employing none of local workers, below the Rest of NSW's 2.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Sandy Beach's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2022 shows median income in Sandy Beach was $49,058 and average income was $60,353. This is lower than the Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $55,244 (median) and $67,964 (average). In Sandy Beach, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 39th to 41st percentiles based on 2021 Census figures. The predominant income cohort in Sandy Beach was 40.1% of locals (1,248 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe 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

The dwelling structure in Sandy Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandy Beach was at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 26.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,810, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Sandy Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 77.0% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (32.2%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising primary education (12.7%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (2.5%).

Sandy Beach Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 348 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 977). The school focuses on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas. There are 11.2 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 15.6, indicating some students may attend schools outside Sandy Beach.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Sandy Beach found that there are currently 34 operational transport stops. These stops serve a variety of bus routes, with a total of 21 individual routes active in the area. Together, these routes facilitate 161 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport services is considered good, with residents living an average distance of 201 meters from their nearest stop. On average, each route provides around 23 trips per day, which translates to approximately four 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 shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~1,582 people) have private health cover, lower than the 48.0% Rest of NSW average.

Mental health issues affect 10.0%, arthritis impacts 8.2%. About 67.5% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of NSW's 63.9%. The area has 15.8% (491 people) aged 65 and over, 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 was the main religion, comprising 36.9% of Sandy Beach's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 6.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (29.8%), English (29.2%), and Irish (8.2%) were the top three represented groups in Sandy Beach. Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented 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 the Australian median of 38. The 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Sandy Beach at 15.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.4%. Following the Census held on 24 August 2021, the population of the 35 to 44 age group increased from 14.0% to 15.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 3.1% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Sandy Beach's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 24%, adding 113 residents to reach a total of 596. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 group is expected to contract by 5 residents.