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 Sapphire Beach is around 2,986, showing an increase of 326 people since the 2021 Census. This reflects a 12.3% growth from the previous population count of 2,660. AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses, estimates the resident population at 2,831. This results in a density ratio of 381 persons per square kilometer. Sapphire Beach's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (5.5%) and the Rest of NSW, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to have a population increase of 1,135 persons, reflecting a gain of 32.5% in total over the 17-year period.

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 around 18 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each year, approximately 2.8 new residents were gained per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $482,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $354,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sapphire Beach shows 63.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers. Building activity is primarily detached houses at 81.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 19.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 164 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts suggest Sapphire Beach will gain 969 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). 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 infrastructure changes are expected in the area. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives include the Pacific Highway Upgrade from Hexham to Brisbane, Queensland New South Wales Interconnector, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW).

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Employment performance in Sapphire Beach ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Sapphire Beach has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,324 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Sapphire Beach is 59.4%, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. 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 significant specialization in the former (1.3 times the regional level).

Manufacturing employment is under-represented at 2.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on resident population vs working population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force rose by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sapphire Beach's industry mix suggests local employment growth of 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for local population projections.

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

In financial year 2023, Sapphire Beach had a median taxpayer income of $51,245 and an average income of $64,714. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $55,785 and an average of around $70,448, based on an 8.86% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Sapphire Beach cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 29.6% of locals (883 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly category, similar to the metropolitan region's 29.9%. Notably, 31.9% earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting robust spending power. 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

Sapphire Beach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sapphire Beach was 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,174, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Sapphire Beach was $475, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Sapphire Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,174 versus 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of 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

Sapphire Beach has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 34.9% hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the SA4 region's 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. This educational advantage is driven by Bachelor degrees held by 23.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.2%, and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (25.1%).

Educational participation is notably high in Sapphire Beach, 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. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being located 229 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Sapphire Beach, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, showing very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,568 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7 and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 70.0% reported being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The under-65 population exhibits better than average health outcomes. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (713 people), with health outcomes among seniors particularly strong, largely in line with national rankings for 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 81.8% born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 53.2%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (10.9%). Notably, South African (0.9%) and Scottish (8.9%) groups are overrepresented, while French (0.6%) is slightly above the regional average of 0.4%.

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

Sapphire Beach has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 14.3%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 7.5% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.5%. By 2041, Sapphire Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 35 to 44 group growing by 38%, reaching 574 people from 415.