Skennars Head

Population growth drivers in Skennars Head are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Skennars Head statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, is around 2,114 as of November 2025. This reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,303 people, marking a growth of 811 individuals or approximately 62.2%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 2,050, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 283 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. The Skennars Head (SA2) experienced notable growth compared to its SA4 region (3.9%) and non-metro areas, emerging as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends and aggregated SA2-level projections, the Skennars Head (SA2) is forecasted to increase its population by 360 persons by the year 2041, reflecting a decrease of approximately 16.4% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Skennars Head among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Skennars Head averaged approximately 59 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 295 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.6 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed.

New construction appears to be meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new properties under construction is $744,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $1.7 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Skennars Head records 664.0% more development activity per person, suggesting greater choice for buyers and strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 89.0% houses), possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 24 people per dwelling approval, Skennars Head exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Given the expected stable or declining population, reduced pressure on housing may create opportunities for buyers in the future.

Skennars Head has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region. Key projects are Aureus Village Centre - Skennars Head, Aureus Townhomes, Ballina Airport Boulevard & Southern Cross Industrial Estate Expansion, and Lennox Rise Estate. Details about these projects can be found below.

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.

The labour market strength in Skennars Head positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Skennars Head has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.6%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In the same period, 810 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.3% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was well beyond standard at 63.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area demonstrated particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Local employment opportunities existed in the area, but many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population counts. During the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3%, combined with employment decreasing by 2.3%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Skennars Head. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Skennars Head's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Skennars Head's median taxpayer income is $39,605 and average is $53,306. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for September 2025 would be approximately $43,114 and average $58,029. Census data ranks Skennars Head's household, family, and personal incomes modestly between the 45th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution shows 28.6% (604 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with metropolitan trends at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. Skennars Head's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Skennars Head is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Skennars Head's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Skennars Head stood at 53.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,297, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent in Skennars Head was recorded at $550, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Skennars Head's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Skennars Head has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Skennars Head shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 25.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating in Skennars Head, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 34 individual routes, offering 273 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Skennars Head are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Skennars Head shows lower-than-average health outcomes with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (1,016 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.7%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (6.8%), with 69.1% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 68.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.5% (539 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Skennars Head's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Skennars Head is Christianity, accounting for 57.5% of the population, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (13.4%).

Notably, French (1.1%) and Scottish (9.7%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Skennars Head compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 9.0%, respectively. Additionally, Sri Lankan ethnicity was represented at 0.4%, higher than the regional average of 0.1%.

Skennars Head hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Skennars Head's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 15.5%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 5.2%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 12.4% to 13.5%, while the age group 5 to 14 has declined from 14.2% to 12.8%. By 2041, Skennars Head is expected to see notable demographic shifts. The population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 10 people, reaching 197 from 179. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, comprising all of the projected population increase. Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 years old.