Swansea (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Swansea reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Swansea (NSW) is estimated to be around 5,138 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 94 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,044. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,068 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,175 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Swansea has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside of capital cities, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,158 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Swansea when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Swansea averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 179 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average construction value of new homes was $698,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. This financial year has seen $5.6 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Rest of NSW, Swansea records 72.0% more building activity per person. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (93.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (7.0%), preserving the area's suburban character.

With around 247 people per approval, Swansea reflects a low density area. Future projections suggest that Swansea will add approximately 1,241 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to support this growth. However, increased population could lead to growing competition among buyers.

Swansea has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects include Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution, 42-44 Lake Road Residential Development, Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System, and Swansea Seawall Stabilisation. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Swansea remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Swansea has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of September 2025. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical aggregation.

As of that date, 2,270 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Swansea was 52.8%, significantly lagging behind Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicated that 19.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Swansea, with only 0.2% employment compared to the region's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 4.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Swansea. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Swansea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Swansea's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Swansea is $40,975 and the average income stands at $55,764, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $44,605 (median) and $60,705 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Swansea all fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 30.4% of residents (1,561 people), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Swansea, with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Swansea displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Swansea, as per the latest Census evaluation, 68.2% of dwellings were houses and 31.7% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swansea stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,908, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $330, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Swansea's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,908 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $330 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.4% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, 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 most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (35.0%).

A substantial 22.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.7% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates that as of 2021, there are 75 active transport stops operating within Swansea. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 22 individual routes collectively providing 509 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 114 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with the car being the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 19.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Swansea faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,519 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 54.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.0%, with 1,695 people falling into this age group, compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Swansea placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Swansea had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Swansea, making up 55.5% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Swansea compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal (4.6%) and Maltese (0.5%) had equal or higher representation than their respective regional averages of 4.6% and 0.4%.

Swansea ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Swansea's median age is 53, notably higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Swansea has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (12.0%), but fewer individuals aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is substantially above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 8.7% to 10.4%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 9.3% to 7.9%. Additionally, the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Swansea's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 41%, adding 250 people and reaching a total of 867 from the current 616. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 50% of projected growth. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age cohort shows minimal growth, increasing by just 3%, adding only 18 people.