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. This growth corresponds to a 3.7% rise from the previous census figure of 3,788 residents. The change was inferred based on AreaSearch's estimation of Sawtell's resident population at 3,817 in June 2024, derived from examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,058 persons per square kilometer. Sawtell's growth rate of 3.7% since the census places it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 71.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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 these projections, Sawtell's population is expected to decline by 196 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow, with an increase of 65 people projected for this cohort 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 in Sawtell shows approximately 8 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 40 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand in the market. However, this has moderated to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $505,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year, there have been $2.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Sawtell shows approximately half the construction activity per person when measured against Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 30th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New building activity in Sawtell shows 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (68.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. 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, benefiting potential buyers.

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

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

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

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The labour market in Sawtell demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Sawtell has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Employment grew by 3.4% in the year to December 2025.

As of that date, 1,756 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, below Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is 56.8%, lower than Regional NSW's 61.3%. In the Census, 16.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in health care at 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force by 2.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 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 7.2% in five years and 14.7% in ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 1 July 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 for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Sawtell as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,870 and $66,014 respectively. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Sawtell rank modestly, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 29.0% of locals (1,138 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader regional trend of 29.9%. 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

Sawtell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.5% houses and 31.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sawtell stood at 42.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while median weekly rent was $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 consist of 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 notable, with 30.2% of residents aged 15 years and over having university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 25.0%. Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis indicates 36 active public transport stops in Sawtell. These are served by 16 different bus routes, offering a total of 184 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 173 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the primary mode of transport 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. 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 shows positive outcomes for Sawtell residents.

Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~2000 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (7.9%). 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. 26.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1040 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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'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 was the predominant religion in Sawtell, accounting for 49.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, with 0.1% of Sawtell's population identifying as such, while the regional average was also 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Sawtell were English (34.0%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.9%). Other ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish representation was higher at 9.3% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, French was at 0.7% versus 0.4% regionally, and German was slightly higher at 3.6% compared to 3.1%.

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

Sawtell's median age is 46, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 14.9% of Sawtell's population, compared to Regional NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.4%, which is less prevalent than in Regional NSW. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above Australia's national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.6% to 9.0% of Sawtell's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.6% to 12.9%. By 2041, Sawtell is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 60%, reaching 163 people from an initial figure of 102. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of Sawtell's projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 35-44 age cohorts.