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

The estimated population of the suburb of Tea Gardens is around 3,375 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 87 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,288. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,345 in June 2024 and the validation of 58 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tea Gardens has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to grow by 594 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.7% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Tea Gardens recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 108 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodated about 2.4 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $589,000, suggesting developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, there have been around $847,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tea Gardens maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

Detached houses accounted for 82.0% and townhouses or apartments made up 18.0% of new building activity, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tea Gardens is forecasted to gain around 564 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 the 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 those detailed below being most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Tea Gardens shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Tea Gardens has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. Essential services sectors are well represented.

Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. As of December 2025816 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 26.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 19.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, but has lower representation in education & training at 4.8% compared to Regional NSW's average of 9.6%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force decreased by 0.8%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tea Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized 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 ending June 2023 shows that median income in Tea Gardens is $43,502 and average income is $52,908. This is below Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,356 (median) and $57,596 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Tea Gardens fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates with 33.7% of residents (1,137 people), differing from Regional NSW where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket 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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Tea Gardens with 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tea Gardens was at 66.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.8% and rented dwellings at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,420, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Tea Gardens was $365, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tea Gardens' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are 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 make up 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, which is smaller than the Regional 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (30.7%).

School and university attendance comprises 15.0% of the community, including 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 within Tea Gardens, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 18 routes, collectively providing 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commute outward; car use dominates at 91%, with 6% walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling, below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.7% of residents work from home, possibly reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 18 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 6 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Tea Gardens are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Tea Gardens. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,617 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (20.0%) and heart disease (9.1%). 45.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Tea Gardens has 62.8% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,119 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 82.1% of its population born in Australia and 89.6% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 96.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 71.7%, higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (37.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.7% compared to Regional NSW's 8.0%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and French at 0.7% against 0.4%.

Tea Gardens ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tea Gardens has a median age of 69, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national figure of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Tea Gardens has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (25.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.0%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly above the national figure of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 23.5% to 25.8%, while the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 31.4% to 28.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Tea Gardens' age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 103%, reaching 555 from 273. Senior residents (65+) are expected to drive 75% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, the number of residents aged 5-14 is projected to remain unchanged.