Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sapphire Beach is around 2,986. This figure reflects a growth of 326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,660. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,831 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 381 persons per square kilometer. Sapphire Beach's growth rate of 12.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.5%) and the Rest of NSW, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Sapphire Beach is forecasted to experience a significant population increase, with an expected expansion of 1,146 persons, reflecting a total gain of 33.2% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sapphire Beach when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sapphire Beach averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each year, around 2.8 new residents are gained per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new homes is $482,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $354,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential development trend. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sapphire Beach has 65.0% higher new home approvals per person. The area's building activity is composed of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional low density character. There are approximately 164 people per dwelling approval in the location.

By 2041, Sapphire Beach is forecasted to gain 991 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Sapphire Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects are Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Queensland New South Wales Interconnector, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW). Relevant details are provided below.

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

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Employment conditions in Sapphire Beach rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Sapphire Beach has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 1,336 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 61.3%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level). Manufacturing is under-represented, at 2.3% compared to Regional NSW's 5.8%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force increased by 2.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Sapphire Beach's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Sapphire Beach was $51,245 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $64,714. Both figures are below Regional NSW's averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $55,785 and $70,448 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, Sapphire Beach incomes cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Incomes predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly category, with 29.6% of locals (883 people) earning in this range. A substantial 31.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sapphire Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Sapphire Beach, as per the latest Census, houses constituted 84.7% of dwellings, with the remaining 15.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sapphire Beach stood at 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,174, surpassing Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Sapphire Beach was $475, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Sapphire Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,174 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 38.2% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Sapphire Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Sapphire Beach, 34.9% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the SA4 region's 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.6% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 25.1%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sapphire Beach has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 136 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents living an average of 229 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 19 trips per day is maintained, translating to roughly 8 weekly trips per stop.

Sapphire Beach's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Sapphire Beach.

AreaSearch's assessment indicates very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,568 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 70.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the 2016 Census, the area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (710 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Sapphire Beach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 53.2% of Sapphire Beach's population. Notably, the 'Other' category made up 1.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (10.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: South Australian was overrepresented at 0.9% in Sapphire Beach versus 0.2% regionally, Scottish at 8.9% versus 8.0%, and French at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Sapphire Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Sapphire Beach has a median age of 46, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 14.3% of Sapphire Beach's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 7.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 7.3% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.0% to 13.6%. By 2041, Sapphire Beach is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 35 to 44 group expected to grow by 40%, reaching 576 people from the current 412.