Sussex Inlet

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

The population of Sussex Inlet is estimated at around 4,174 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 286 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,888 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 240 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person. Sussex Inlet's growth rate of 7.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's rate of 3.1%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected nationally for non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 832 persons, reflecting a total increase of 19.9% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sussex Inlet when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Sussex Inlet averaged around 40 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 202 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY26. This averages to about 1.6 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply-demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is around $478,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $1.4 million, predominantly residential-focused. Compared to Rest of NSW, Sussex Inlet has seen slightly more development, 49.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 130 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Sussex Inlet will gain 832 residents through to 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sussex Inlet has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Six infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Sussex Inlet Golf Village, St Georges Basin, Berrara, Swan Lake Coastal Management Program (2015-2017), Seniors Housing Suncrest Avenue (2016-ongoing), and Bay and Basin NSW Ambulance Station (2018).

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The labour market performance in Sussex Inlet lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Sussex Inlet had a balanced workforce as of December 2025, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%. This was 1.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 37.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

A total of 1,321 residents were employed. According to Census responses, only 12.0% worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Construction was particularly strong with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.2% and labour force by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sussex Inlet's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Sussex Inlet, median income is $36,956 and average income is $46,583. Nationally, median income is higher at $52,390 and average income is $65,215. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $40,770 and average income will be around $51,390, based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that incomes in Sussex Inlet fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $400 - $799 dominates with 36.6% of residents (1,527 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 29.9%. With 46.1% earning under $800 per week, income constraints are significant, impacting local spending patterns. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains, which ranks at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Sussex Inlet, as per the latest Census, 89.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 10.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sussex Inlet stood at 60.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.0% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,511, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Sussex Inlet was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.4% of all households, including 14.8% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4 people.

Sussex Inlet faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (36.4%).

Notably, 20.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.6% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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

Sussex Inlet has 129 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by 10 individual routes offering 161 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 135 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound with cars being the primary mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Sussex Inlet is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Sussex Inlet faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts show notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 45% of the total population (around 1,896 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.6% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 50.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Among the working-age population, there are notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 44.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,836 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. While health outcomes among seniors broadly align with national rankings, there are some challenges present.

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

Sussex Inlet had a cultural diversity level below average, with 89.4% citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 60.5%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (30.8%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notable differences included Maltese at 0.8% (vs regional 0.4%), Scottish at 8.3% (vs 8.0%), and Polish at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Sussex Inlet ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Sussex Inlet's median age is 61 years, which is significantly older than Regional NSW's 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Sussex Inlet has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (22.4% locally vs. 19.7% regionally) and a lower percentage of those aged 35-44 (6.8% vs. 10.7%). The national average for the 65-74 age group is 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Sussex Inlet's population aged 25-34 grew from 6.7% to 7.7%, while the percentage of those aged 55-64 decreased from 17.7% to 16.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant growth in the 85+ age cohort, expanding by 198 people (73%) from 271 to 470. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 54% of population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. In contrast, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow minimally by just 2%, adding 15 people.