Tathra

Tathra has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Tathra's estimated population as of Nov 2025 is around 1,569. This reflects a growth of 42 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,527. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 1,509 in Jun 2024 and 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 75 persons per square kilometer. Tathra's growth rate of 2.8% since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of its SA3 area's 3.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are used, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Tathra statistical area (Lv2) is expected to expand by 133 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tathra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Tathra has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 28 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these years, an average of 2.7 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $496,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $3.9 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tathra shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 77.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

At around 240 people per approval, Tathra reflects a low density area. Future projections show Tathra adding 128 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tathra has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

No changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border, Low And Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail.

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The employment landscape in Tathra presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.2%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Tathra's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

By September 2025, the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation lagged at 49.9%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. Notably, accommodation & food had employment levels 1.9 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 2.5% compared to the regional 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 5.4% and employment by 5.6%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force by 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tathra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Tathra had a median taxpayer income of $45,686 and an average of $55,962. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,734 (median) and $60,920 (average). The 2021 Census records household incomes at the 14th percentile and personal income at the 38th percentile. Income distribution in Tathra is dominated by the $800 - 1,499 category, with 28.5% of locals (447 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category prevails at 29.9%. Residents retain 86.7% of income after housing costs, placing total disposable income at the 18th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Tathra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Tathra, evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 76.7% houses and 23.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tathra was at 52.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (20.2%) or rented (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,603, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Tathra's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.2% of all households, including 16.5% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Tathra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Tathra is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 31.4% of residents aged 15 years and over have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 21.5% in the SA3 area. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.1% while certificates make up 24.6%. A significant 20.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 6.9% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 27 active stops operating in Tathra, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 120 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Tathra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tathra faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (770 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.4 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 61.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 35.2% of residents aged 65 and over (552 people), which is higher than the 31.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tathra, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.2%. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (12.9%). Notable differences existed in Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.2%), Scottish (8.6% vs 8.6%), and German (4.2% vs 3.6%) representations compared to the rest of NSW.

Tathra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tathra is 56 years, notably exceeding Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 20.5% compared to Rest of NSW, whereas the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.3%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 2.7% to 4.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.6% to 17.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Tathra's age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 42%, adding 73 residents to reach 248. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 59% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.