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 Nov 2025, the population of the Sawtell statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 3,926. This reflects an increase of 138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,788. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,817 residents in Jun 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,058 persons per square kilometer. Sawtell's growth of 3.6% since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises 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. According to this methodology, projections indicate an overall population decline of 192 persons in the Sawtell (SA2) area by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 66 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 indicates Sawtell experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 40 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far. This results in an average of 1.7 new residents arriving per new home annually during these years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $505,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting a predominantly residential focus compared to other areas. Relative to Rest of NSW, Sawtell records roughly half the building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 30th percentile of assessed areas, implying limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes.

This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Sawtell comprises 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (68.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. At around 547 people per approval, Sawtell indicates a mature market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Sawtell should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region: 95 on First Townhouses (Sea Esta), Wonga Park Sawtell Playground Renewal, Toormina Oval Upgrade, and Boambee East Residential Subdivision. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Sawtell has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 1,727 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation was on par with Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.4 times the regional average), education & training, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 1.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area offered limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 3.1%, raising unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5%, labour force by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts suggest employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sawtell's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's aggregation of recent postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Sawtell suburb had a median taxpayer income of $50,404 and an average income of $60,641. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. With an 8.86% growth based on Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates for Sawtell would be approximately $54,870 (median) and $66,014 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Sawtell rank modestly between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.0% of residents (1,138 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sawtell, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Sawtell, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 68.5% houses and 31.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sawtell was at 42.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sawtell was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Sawtell's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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

Educational attainment in Sawtell is notably high, with 30.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This figure surpasses both the SA4 region average of 19.8% and the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 12.4% and certificates held by 25.0% of residents in this age group. Educational participation is notably high, 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

The analysis of public transport in Sawtell found that there are currently 36 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 16 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 184 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Sawtell is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 173 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sawtell is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sawtell faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of its total population (~1,999 people) has private health cover, compared to 48.7% across the Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.6% and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across the Rest of NSW. The area has 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,028 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Sawtell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sawtell, comprising 49.2% of the population. However, Judaism shows an overrepresentation with 0.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.0%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.9%). Notably, Scottish (9.3% vs regional 8.3%), French (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), and German (3.6% vs regional 3.3%) groups are overrepresented in Sawtell.

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

Sawtell's median age at 47 years significantly exceeds both the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile reveals that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.0% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds at 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.6% to 8.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.3%. By 2041, Sawtell's population is expected to see notable shifts. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 60% (60 people), reaching 163 from 102. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 92% of the total population growth, while declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.