Sussex Inlet

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

The population of Sussex Inlet, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the Census Sussex Inlet's 2021 count, is around 4,224 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 336 people (8.6%) from the 2021 Census population of 3,888. The estimated resident population of 4,100, derived by AreaSearch from ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and the addition of 238 validated new addresses since the Census date, contribute to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 114 persons per square kilometer for Sussex Inlet. The suburb's population growth of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, for areas not covered by the ABS data. These projections indicate an above median population growth trend for Australia's regional areas, with Sussex Inlet expected to expand by 875 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 16.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates that Sussex Inlet has seen approximately 40 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 201 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 new residents per year arrived for each new home constructed. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost value of $478,000.

In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Compared to the rest of NSW, Sussex Inlet has recorded somewhat elevated construction levels, with 50.0% more construction per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (82.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 131 people per dwelling approval in Sussex Inlet, indicating characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sussex Inlet is expected to grow by 689 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sussex Inlet has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Sussex Inlet Golf Village, St Georges Basin, Berrara, Swan Lake Coastal Management Program (Seniors Housing Suncrest Avenue, Sussex Inlet), and Bay and Basin NSW Ambulance Station.

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

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Sussex Inlet has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sussex Inlet has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of June 2025, and an estimated employment growth of 3.4% in the past year. There are 1,263 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of NSW's at 3.7%, but workforce participation is lower at 35.0%.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food, notably construction which has employment levels 1.7 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.0% of Sussex Inlet's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4%, labour force grew by 2.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment decline and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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.

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

Sussex Inlet's median income among taxpayers was $36,956 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $46,583 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $41,616 and average income around $52,457, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.61%. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Sussex Inlet fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 36.6% of locals (1,545 people) with earnings in the $400 - $799 category, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 29.9%. Economic circumstances suggest widespread financial pressure, with 46.1% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. After housing expenses, 85.2% of income remains, though this ranks at only 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 evaluation, 89.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sussex Inlet stood at 60.1%, with mortgaged properties at 20.0% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,511, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Sussex Inlet was $310, compared to $350 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Sussex Inlet's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,511 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise 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 account for 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, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 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%).

A substantial 20.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.6% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. Sussex Inlet Public School serves the local educational needs within Sussex Inlet, with an enrollment of 260 students as of 2021. The school's ICSEA score is 950, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. As of 2020, the area has limited local school capacity (6.2 places per 100 residents vs 12.7 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Sussex Inlet has 109 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together offer 161 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 136 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Sussex Inlet faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 45% (~1,919 people) have private health cover, compared to 49.3% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Common medical conditions include arthritis (15.6%) and mental health issues (8.8%), while 50.8% report no medical ailments, lower than the 59.4% in Rest of NSW.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 43.5% (1,837 people), compared to 27.8% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.4% of its population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Sussex Inlet is Christianity, accounting for 60.5% of the population, compared to 52.6% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.9%), Australian (30.8%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher than average at 0.8%, Scottish at 8.3%, and Polish at 0.7%.

Sussex Inlet ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Sussex Inlet's median age is 61 years, which is notably older than Rest of NSW's 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Sussex Inlet has a notably over-represented cohort of 65 - 74 year-olds at 22.5%, while those aged 35 - 44 are under-represented at 6.7%. This concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 14.4% to 15.1% of Sussex Inlet's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 9.2% to 8.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sussex Inlet's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 185 people (75%) from 249 to 435. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends in the area. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to decline by 28 people.