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 Nov 2025, Taree's population is estimated at around 16,993, reflecting an increase of 278 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate of 16,946 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data from June 2024, and additional validated new addresses account for this growth. This results in a density ratio of 355 persons per square kilometer. Taree's 1.7% growth since the Census positions it competitively with other SA3 areas, being within 2.1 percentage points of their average growth rate of 3.8%. Overseas migration drove primary population gains recently, contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population increases. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Taree is expected to increase by approximately 980 persons, reflecting a total increase of around 5.4% over the 17-year period, aligning with demographic trends in Australian non-metropolitan areas.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Taree averaging around 46 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 232 homes were approved, with an additional 25 in FY-26. Over these five years, the average population increase per dwelling built was 0.9 people yearly.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers more options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $452,000. Additionally, $43.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Comparatively, Taree shows approximately half the construction activity per person when measured against Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. The current housing pattern is 78.0% houses, with an estimated 504 people in the area per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Taree adding 920 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Assuming current development patterns continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Manning Health and Taree CBD Precinct Plan, Taree Station Rail Infrastructure Upgrades, Figtrees on the Manning. The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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 Taree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Taree's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.7% in June 2024, showing stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 6,456 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher at 5.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Taree lags at 44.2%, behind Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Taree specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.6% of the workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Taree's labour force increased by 0.4%, but employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Taree's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Taree is $40,229 and average income is $49,014. This is below the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated median income in Taree would be approximately $45,302 and average income $55,195, based on a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates incomes in Taree fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 32.3% of residents (5,488 people) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 29.9%. A significant proportion, 42.1%, of residents have incomes below $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of Taree. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Taree, dwelling structures were composed of 78.3% houses and 21.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Taree stood at 38.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Taree was recorded as $289, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. 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 make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 12.5%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is notably 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. A total of 10 schools operate within Taree, educating approximately 3,766 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 884). The educational mix includes 5 primary, 4 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 22.2 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 13.3 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Taree has 316 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 62 different routes that together facilitate 1,015 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 127 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is high, with an average of 145 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (~7,883 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (11.6%), while 54.4% report having no medical ailments, compared to 57.7% in Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 26.1% of Taree's residents are aged 65 and over (4,435 people), lower than the 30.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes largely mirror those of 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 88.6% of its population being citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Taree, comprising 57.6% of the population, which aligns with the regional percentage of 57.6%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.0%).

Notably, Lebanese, Filipino, and Korean ethnicities have higher representations in Taree compared to the region: Lebanese at 0.2% vs 0.1%, Filipino at 0.9% vs 0.5%, and Korean at 0.1% vs 0%.

Taree hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Taree's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Taree has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 10.9% to 12.0%, while the 65-74 age group has decreased from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, Taree's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 17% (325 people), reaching 2,212 from 1,886. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are expected to experience population declines.