Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Tea Gardens statistical area is around 3,372 people. This figure reflects an increase of 84 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,288 people. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,345 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 41 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Tea Gardens has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for around 78.0% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is anticipated for locations outside capital cities, with the Tea Gardens (SA2) expected to grow by 593 persons to reach a total of 3,965 individuals by 2041, reflecting a 16.6% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tea Gardens shows around 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 109 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.4 new residents per year over these years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $589,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $847,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Tea Gardens maintains similar construction rates per person relative to Rest of NSW, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed recently.

New building activity comprises 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Tea Gardens will gain 558 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Tea Gardens has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Tea Gardens Library Upgrade & Extension, Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan (LEP) & Development Control Plan (DCP), Port Stephens Housing Delivery Program, and Nelson Bay Road Duplication - Williamtown to Bobs Farm are key projects, with the following list detailing 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Tea Gardens recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Tea Gardens has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, the unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025. There were 815 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Tea Gardens lagged significantly behind the regional average, at 25.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Notably, health care & social assistance had a particularly strong representation, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training showed lower representation at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 9.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 1.6%. This resulted in a decrease in unemployment by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Providing broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Tea Gardens. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tea Gardens's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years. It is important to note that 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Tea Gardens suburb is $43,502 and average income is $52,908. This compares to Rest of NSW where median income is $52,390 and average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes in Tea Gardens are approximately $47,356 (median) and $57,596 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, income levels in Tea Gardens fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 is dominant with 33.7% of residents, unlike the regional pattern where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Tea Gardens' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tea Gardens was at 66.4%, with the rest mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (15.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,420, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tea Gardens was $365, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Tea Gardens' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,420 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less at $365 than the national figure of $375.

Tea Gardens has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.6% of all households, including 8.8% couples with children, 56.3% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 16.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (30.7%). School and university attendance makes up 15.0% of the community, with 5.2% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 15.0% of the community. This includes 5.2% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% 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 20 active stops operating in Tea Gardens, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 18 routes, collectively providing 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Tea Gardens faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~1,615 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of NSW's 50.1% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (20.0%) and heart disease (9.1%).

Conversely, 45.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.3% in Rest of NSW. Tea Gardens has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 62.2% (2,097 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 28.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but generally perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tea Gardens showed lower cultural diversity, with 82.1% born in Australia, 89.6% citizens, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 71.7%, compared to 57.4% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (37.0%), Australian (26.8%), Irish (10.7%).

Notably, Scottish (9.7%) and Welsh (0.8%) were overrepresented, while French (0.7%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

Tea Gardens ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tea Gardens has a median age of 69, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tea Gardens has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (25.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (2.9%). This concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 23.5% to 25.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has declined from 31.4% to 28.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Tea Gardens' age profile. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 112%, reaching 544 from 256. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 76% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. However, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.