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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sawtell is around 3,828, reflecting an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.1% increase from the previous census figure of 3,788 people. AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date resulted in an estimated resident population of 3,822. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,031 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sawtell's 1.1% growth since the census places it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate a decline in overall population over the period from 2026 to 2041, with an expected decrease of 205 persons by 2041 for Sawtell. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 68 people during this period.

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 for Sawtell shows approximately 8 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 40 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.2 new residents arriving per year per new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $505,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly for residential projects. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sawtell records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally, 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 comprises 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Sawtell's 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. With around 544 people per approval, Sawtell indicates a mature market. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Sawtell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to 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.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Sawtell maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Sawtell has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%.

As of December 2025, 1,722 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Regional NSW's rate. Workforce participation in Sawtell is 55.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with healthcare employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 2.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sawtell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Sawtell had a median income among taxpayers 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 Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Sawtell's median income would be approximately $55,606 and average income $66,899 as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Sawtell rank modestly, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 29.0% or 1,110 people, fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting a pattern seen in the region where similarly 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sawtell, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Sawtell, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.5% houses and 31.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Sawtell was higher than that of Regional NSW at 42.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with the Regional NSW average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Sawtell's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 30.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions Sawtell strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 19.9% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Trade and technical skills also feature prominently in Sawtell, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (25.0%). Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis shows 36 active transport stops operating within Sawtell. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 184 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Sawtell's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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 for mortality rates and health conditions.

Prevalence of common health issues is low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~1949 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (7.9%). Around 64.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Sawtell has 26.7% (1022 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring national rankings for the general population.

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 score 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, accounting for 49.2% of Sawtell's population. Judaism, however, was notably overrepresented, comprising 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.9%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.3% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, French at 0.7% versus 0.4%, and German at 3.6% versus 3.1%.

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

Sawtell's median age at present stands at 47 years, which is notably higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and significantly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prevalent, comprising 15.0% of the population, a figure substantially higher than both Regional NSW's and the nation's averages of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is relatively smaller at 9.0%, compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of those aged 75-84 has increased from 7.6% to 9.1%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 8.8% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 13.2%. By 2041, Sawtell's population is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 65%, reaching 164 individuals from a current figure of 99. This growth is largely driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above contributing to 94% of the projected population increase. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 45-54 age groups.