Toormina

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

The population of Toormina is estimated at around 6,382 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 211 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,171 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,218 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,181 persons per square kilometer. Toormina's growth rate of 3.4% since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.5%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, 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. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 138 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 209 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Toormina has recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 39 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over these five years.

This supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $505,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, around $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Toormina has significantly less development activity, at 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Toormina has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving its suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (65.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 661 people per dwelling approval, Toormina reflects a highly mature market. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Toormina should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Toormina has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Boambee East Residential Subdivision, Toormina Oval Upgrade, North Boambee Valley (East) Release Area, and Coffs Harbour Bypass. The following details 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.

Employment conditions in Toormina remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Toormina has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 4.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, there are 2,546 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Toormina lags behind Regional NSW at 51.4% compared to 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 7.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.3%, compared to 5.3% regionally. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 2.4%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.7 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2%, labour force decline by 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toormina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Toormina suburb had median taxpayer income of $39,651 and average income of $47,704. Both figures are below national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $43,164 and average income is $51,931 as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Toormina fall between 5th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 30.4% of community earns between $400 - $799 (1,940 individuals), differing from surrounding region where majority earns between $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability is severe with only 78.3% of income remaining, ranking at 4th percentile nationally.

Toormina displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Toormina, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 65.2% houses and 34.8% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, it was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toormina was 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented ones at 37.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Toormina was $335, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Toormina's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.1% of all households, including 19.2% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 34.7% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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

Toormina has 64 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,118 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages 159 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Toormina faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of Toormina's total population (~2,928 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (11.2%). However, 54.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. Toormina has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring general population trends.

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

Toormina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of Toormina's population. The most notable overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, which constituted 1.2% compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal at 6.2% (vs regional 4.6%), Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Scottish at 8.2% (vs 8.0%).

Toormina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Toormina's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's median age of 43 years. It is also considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, Toormina has a notably over-represented 75-84 age cohort (11.2% locally), while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented (10.9%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.9%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Toormina's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 202 people (56%) from 363 to 566. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 25-34 cohorts.