Toormina

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Toormina statistical area (Lv2) is approximately 6,384 people. This figure represents an increase of 213 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,171 people in the same area. The recent resident population estimate of 6,218 by AreaSearch, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validation of 13 new addresses since the Census date, suggests a population density ratio of 1,182 persons per square kilometer. This rate is relatively consistent with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Toormina (SA2) has experienced a growth rate of 3.5% since the census, which places it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.4%. This indicates competitive growth fundamentals for the region.

The primary driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration, contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for areas covered by this data. For any SA2 areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. These projections indicate a decline in overall population for the Toormina (SA2) over the period from 2032 to 2041, with an expected decrease of 122 persons by 2041. However, certain age cohorts are projected to grow during this time, notably the 85 and over age group, which is anticipated to expand by 213 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Toormina shows approximately 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 39 homes. In FY-26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new properties is $505,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Toormina has markedly lower building activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, despite building activity accelerating in recent years. The area's established nature is also reflected in its location having approximately 661 people per dwelling approval, with stable or declining population forecasts potentially easing housing pressure and favouring buyers.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (65.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Boambee East Residential Subdivision, Toormina Oval Upgrade, North Boambee Valley (East) Release Area, and Coffs Harbour Bypass. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Toormina shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Toormina has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.9%, indicating an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Rest of NSW, Toormina has a higher unemployment rate of 1.1% and lower workforce participation at 48.6%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Toormina increased by 1.9%, while labour force increased by 3.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Toormina had a median income among taxpayers of $39,651 and an average income of $47,704 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages for Rest of NSW, which stood at $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% increase since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $43,164 and average income $51,931. Census data indicates that incomes in Toormina fall between the 5th and 10th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 30.4% of residents earn between $400 and $799 (1,940 individuals), while the region's leading bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Toormina, with only 78.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Toormina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.2% houses and 34.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toormina stood at 32.6%, with the rest either mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Toormina was $335, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Toormina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 against the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 Rest of 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 32.2%.

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

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 that facilitate 1,118 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 186 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes is 159 trips per day on average, translating to approximately 17 weekly trips per 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~2,928 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.7% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (11.2%), while 54.7% report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.9% in Rest of NSW.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 27.4% (1,749 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Toormina was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.0%), and speaking English only at home (95.2%). Christianity was the main religion, comprising 51.9% of Toormina's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.2% compared to 3.3% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.7%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.2% compared to 4.0% regionally, Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Scottish at 8.2% versus 8.3%.

Toormina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Toormina's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 years. This makes Toormina considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Toormina, making up 10.8% of the local population, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.9%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.8% of Toormina's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.3% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Toormina's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 215 people (61%) from 351 to 567. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 96% of total population growth, reflecting Toormina's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.