Sawtell

Sawtell 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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sawtell is around 3,927, reflecting an increase of 139 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 3,817 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,058 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sawtell's growth rate of 3.7% since the census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area. AreaSearch adopts 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 where data is not available, 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. Over this period, projections indicate an overall population decline of 191 persons by 2041 in the suburb of Sawtell, with specific age cohorts expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 63 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Sawtell, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sawtell has had around 8 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 40 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 5 approvals recorded so far. On average, 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand in the market. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $505,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sawtell has about half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally for areas assessed, implying limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. In terms of new building types, 89.0% are detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Sawtell's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Developers construct more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (68.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Sawtell has around 547 people per approval, indicating a mature market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Sawtell is expected to see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: 95 on First Townhouses (Sea Esta), Wonga Park Sawtell Playground Renewal, Toormina Oval Upgrade, and Boambee East Residential Subdivision. Key details are listed below for 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.

Employment conditions in Sawtell remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Sawtell has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,733 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower in Sawtell at 56.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Sawtell's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Sawtell's median taxpayer income was $50,404 and the average was $60,641. This is below national averages of $52,390 for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $54,870 (median) and $66,014 (average). From the 2021 Census, Sawtell's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 29.0% of locals earned between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. Sawtell's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Sawtell displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sawtell's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.5% houses and 31.4% 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 Sawtell stood at 42.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.6% and rented ones at 33.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Sawtell's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, but rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Sawtell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.7% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Sawtell performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

In Sawtell, residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 30.2% of residents hold such qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. This educational advantage is notable for its substantial margin over regional averages. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent university qualification in Sawtell, with 19.9% of residents holding them.

Postgraduate qualifications follow at 6.6%, while graduate diplomas account for 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also prominent among Sawtell's residents aged 15+, with 37.4% having such qualifications. Advanced diplomas represent 12.4% and certificates make up 25.0% of these vocational credentials. Educational participation is high in the area, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sawtell has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together offer 184 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest stop. As Sawtell is primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sawtell's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Sawtell shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Approximately 51% (~2000 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 64.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show higher chronic health condition prevalence. Sawtell has 26.3% (1032 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

Sawtell is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Sawtell had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.2%. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.9%). Scottish (9.3%) and French (0.7%) were notably overrepresented, while German (3.6%) was slightly more prevalent than the regional average of 3.1%.

Sawtell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Sawtell's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 15.0%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 9.3%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.6% to 8.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.9%. By 2041, Sawtell is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 66%, reaching 163 people from the current 98. This growth is projected to be entirely due to the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 35-44 age cohorts.