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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Tea Gardens is around 3,357. This figure reflects an increase of 69 people since the Census in 2021, when the population was recorded as 3,288. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the resident population and new addresses validated since May 2021, is 3,356. This results in a population 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 1.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with 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 utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Tea Gardens expected to grow by 531 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the 16-year period.

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

Tea Gardens recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 108 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodated about 2.1 new residents per year during these five years.

The average construction value of new homes was approximately $589,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. This financial year has seen around $847,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Tea Gardens maintains similar construction rates per person relative to the rest of NSW, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

The area's new building activity comprises 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Tea Gardens has about 215 people per dwelling approval, confirming a low-density market. Population forecasts indicate the location will gain around 530 residents by 2041, with current construction rates appearing 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region: Tea Gardens Library Upgrade & Extension, slated for completion on 30th June 2021. Other key projects include Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan (LEP) & Development Control Plan (DCP), Port Stephens Housing Delivery Program, and Nelson Bay Road Duplication - Williamtown to Bobs Farm.

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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 well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In December 2025833 residents were employed, aligning with Regional NSW's 3.9% unemployment rate but having lower workforce participation at 27.1%. About 19.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Tea Gardens has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.2 times the regional level) but lower representation in education & training (4.8% vs 9.6%).

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tea Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 Tea Gardens suburb is $43,502 and average income is $52,908. This is below Regional NSW's figures of median income at $52,390 and average income at $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes are approximately $47,991 (median) and $58,368 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Tea Gardens fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.7% of residents (1,131 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from Regional NSW where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing costs are modest with 88.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Tea Gardens, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Tea Gardens was higher than that of Regional NSW at 66.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (15.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,420, lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Tea Gardens was recorded at $365, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tea Gardens' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 comprise the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households making up 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's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. 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 - advanced diplomas account for 13.3% and certificates for 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 public transport stops in Tea Gardens, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 18 different routes, collectively providing 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual 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. AreaSearch's assessment shows mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,608 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (20.0%) and heart disease (9.1%). Around 45.2% of residents claim to be 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 a higher proportion of seniors, with 63.5% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,131 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for 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, surveyed in June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 82.1% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 71.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. Ancestry wise, Tea Gardens had higher proportions of English (37.0%) and Scottish (9.7%), and lower Irish (10.7%).

Welsh (0.8%) and French (0.7%) were also notably present.

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 average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Tea Gardens has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (26.2%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.8%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Tea Gardens' population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 23.5% to 26.2%, while the percentage of residents aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 31.4% to 29.1%. Additionally, the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 14.4% to 12.7%. 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 560 from the current figure of 275. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends in the area. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.