Surf Beach (NSW)

Surf Beach is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Surf Beach (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1,843 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 91 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,934 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,833, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 422 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the Surf Beach (NSW) (SA2) expected to increase by 170 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Surf Beach according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Surf Beach has seen minimal construction activity with one new dwelling approved annually on average over the past five years, totalling seven. This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity influenced by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that the small sample size can significantly impact annual growth and relative statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Surf Beach has substantially lower development levels. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are common. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (71.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 652 people, indicative of its quiet, low-activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Surf Beach is expected to grow by 292 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

No infrastructure changes are known to impact this area at present. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could affect it. Notable initiatives include the Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan, Princes Highway safety improvements between Nowra and the Victorian border, Sydney-Canberra rail connectivity upgrades, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

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 employment landscape in Surf Beach presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.3%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Surf Beach has a skilled workforce with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 819 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Surf Beach lags behind Rest of NSW at 44.6% compared to 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share that is 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.0% while employment decreased by 4.9%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a rise of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Surf Beach's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023, Surf Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $41,729 and an average income of $51,815. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Surf Beach would be approximately $45,426 and average income $56,406 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Surf Beach all fall between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.9% of individuals earn within the $800 - $1,499 range (551 individuals), which differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Surf Beach, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Surf Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Surf Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Surf Beach was 48.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.2% and rented dwellings at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Surf Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Surf Beach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.3% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 34.7% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Surf Beach indicates that there are 42 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. The total number of routes serving these stops is 23, which collectively facilitate 269 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated an average of 149 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages at 38 trips per day, translating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Surf Beach is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Surf Beach faces significant health challenges, with a variety of conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% (~875 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (9.1%). However, 57.1% claim to be free from any medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 59.6%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 32.9% (606 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 31.7%.

Surf Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Surf Beach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.3% of its population being citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Surf Beach, comprising 55.2% of people, compared to 49.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (8.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 3.6%. French (0.6%) and Croatian (0.7%) populations also exceeded their respective regional averages of 0.4% and 0.3%.

Surf Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Surf Beach has a median age of 53, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Surf Beach has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 at 18.3%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 7.3%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Surf Beach's age structure. Notably, the 35 to 44 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 250 people from a current total of 197. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%.