Skennars Head

Population growth drivers in Skennars Head are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of Skennars Head is estimated at around 1,693, reflecting a growth of 390 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 29.9% rise from the previous population count of 1,303. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,632 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 226 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (3.3%) and non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to expand by 365 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Skennars Head averaged approximately 50 new dwelling approvals annually, with 251 approved between FY-21 and FY-25, and 7 in FY-26. This results in about 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. The average construction value is $744,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments.

In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Skennars Head has 553.0% more development activity per person. New developments consist of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current 89.0% houses. With around 28 people per dwelling approval, Skennars Head exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, it is projected to grow by approximately 80 residents. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, Skennars Head is expected to grow by 80 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Skennars Head has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence the region: Aureus Village Centre - Skennars Head, Aureus Townhomes, Lennox Rise Estate, and Ballina Airport Boulevard & Southern Cross Industrial Estate Expansion. The following details these key projects.

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

Skennars Head has a highly educated workforce with key services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In this month, 752 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Skennars Head was notably high at 63.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training had employment levels 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. In the year to June 2025, Skennars Head's labour force decreased by 4.9%, accompanied by a similar decrease in employment, while unemployment remained largely unchanged. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted slightly, the labour force grew marginally, and unemployment rose moderately. For future insights, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Skennars Head's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Skennars Head had a median income of $39,605 and an average of $53,306 among taxpayers. This was below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $44,599 (median) and $60,028 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Skennars Head, between the 45th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 28.6% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. Skennars Head's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th 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, comprised 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Skennars Head was 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 $550, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Skennars Head's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher at $2,297 than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 constitute the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 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% for 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 also prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education. Holy Family Catholic Primary School and Xavier Catholic College Ballina serve a total of 1,281 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1095). Educational provision is conventional, with one primary and one secondary institution. As an education hub, the area offers 75.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 22 active transport stops in Skennars Head, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 34 different routes that together facilitate 270 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to public transport, with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 38 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 12 weekly trips per individual 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 below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (around 813 people), contrasting with Rest of NSW's 52.3%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (6.8%). About 69.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW. The area has 25.5% residents aged 65 and over (431 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 23.6%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming 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. Christianity was the predominant religion in Skennars Head, comprising 57.5% of people, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (13.4%).

Notably, French representation was higher at 1.1%, Scottish at 9.7%, and Sri Lankan at 0.4%, compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 9.0%, and 0.1% respectively.

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

Skennars Head's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.5% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 5.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.4% to 13.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 14.2% to 12.8%. By 2041, Skennars Head is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group will grow by 38%, reaching 198 people from a previous count of 143. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 57% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.