Taree

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Taree is around 17,082, reflecting an increase of 367 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 2.2%. The change in population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 16,975 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 357 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Taree is expected to expand by 938 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 4.9% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Taree has averaged around 47 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 237 homes were approved, with a further 51 so far in FY26. Over these five financial years, on average, only 0.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth. The average value of new properties constructed is $452,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $34.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Taree records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 35th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity shows 62.0% standalone homes and 38.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 78.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 469 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Taree adding 831 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, Taree Station Rail Infrastructure Upgrades, and Figtrees on the Manning. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Taree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Taree has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 8.9% (AreaSearch data).

As of December 2025, 6330 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional NSW's at 4.9%. Workforce participation lags at 49.3%. Census data shows only 5.7% work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance (1.6 times regional average), retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.6%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities. In the year to May-25, labour force decreased by 1.7% and employment by 3.6%, increasing unemployment by 1.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts (Jobs and Skills Australia) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree's mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.8% in five years and 14.4% in ten years.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Taree suburb is $40,229. Average income stands at $49,014. This is below national average of median $52,390 and average $65,215 in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,793. Estimated average income by that date is around $53,357. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Taree fall between 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income band of $400 to $799 captures 32.3% of community (5,517 individuals), unlike surrounding region where $1,500 to $2,999 band predominates at 29.9%. Lower income households are prevalent with 42.1% earning below $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures severe; only 81.3% of income remains post-housing costs, ranking at 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Taree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.3% houses and 21.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree was at 38.3%, aligning with Regional NSW's figure, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (23.0%) or rented (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Taree was recorded at $289, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Taree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.3% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.7% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.9% and certificates for 31.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 340 active public transport stops in Taree. These include a mix of train and bus services, totaling 60 individual routes that facilitate 976 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional norm. Only 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; COVID-19 conditions may have influenced this figure).

Service frequency averages 139 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Taree faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of Taree's total population (around 7,924 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.2% and 11.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 54.4% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Taree has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.4% (around 4,509 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Taree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 88.6% citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Taree, accounting for 57.6% of its population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.0%).

Notably, Lebanese (0.2% vs regional 0.2%), Filipino (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Korean (0.1% vs 0.1%) groups show minor divergences in representation compared to Regional NSW figures.

Taree hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Taree's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Taree has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.2%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 10.9% to 12.2%, while the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 9.8% to 11.0%. Conversely, the population aged 5 to 14 decreased from 12.5% to 11.7%. By 2041, Taree's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 15%, reaching 2,232 people from 1,947. Meanwhile, the populations aged 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 are expected to decline.