Swansea (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Swansea (NSW) is around 5,138, reflecting a 94 person increase (1.9%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,044 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,068 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,175 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Swansea's growth rate of 1.9% since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals driven primarily by interstate migration contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to experience an above median population growth by 2041, increasing by 1,184 persons over the 17 years and recording a total gain of 21.7%.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,184 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 21.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Swansea averaged around 36 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 180 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $698,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY26, $5.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Swansea has 71.0% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent slowing trends.

New development consists of 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Swansea's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This contrasts with current patterns showing 68.0% detached housing at Census. With around 242 people per approval, Swansea reflects a low density area. Future projections estimate an addition of 1,114 residents by 2041, maintaining a reasonable pace of construction growth despite potential increasing competition among buyers as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are 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 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.

Swansea shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Swansea has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Employment has been stable over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 2,237 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Swansea is lower at 52.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census data shows that 19.2% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts 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 with only 0.2% employment compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force increased by 2.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer 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, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Swansea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, noting that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

Swansea's median income among taxpayers was $40,975 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $55,764 during the same period. These figures are lower than Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Swansea would be approximately $44,605 and $60,705 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, income levels in Swansea fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 30.4% of residents (1,561 people), contrasting with Regional NSW where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures in Swansea are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Swansea, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.2% houses and 31.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swansea stood at 44.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,908, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Swansea was recorded at $330, matching Regional NSW's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Swansea's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, which is smaller than the Regional 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%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (35.0%). A total of 22.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 7.7% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 75 active transport stops operating within Swansea, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 509 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 114 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the primarily residential nature of the area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 19.2% of residents work from home, which 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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of Swansea's total population (~2,519 people), lower than Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.2%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 54.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Swansea has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.1% (1,700 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align 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's population showed limited cultural diversity, with 90.4% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.5%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestral groups were English (35.1%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Welsh ancestry was higher in Swansea at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was equally represented at 4.6%, while Maltese ancestry was slightly higher at 0.5% versus Regional NSW's 0.4%.

Swansea ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Swansea's median age is 53, higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Swansea has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 at 12.0%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 8.0%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 8.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Swansea's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 850 people from the current 616. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 51% of this growth. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2%.