Tuross Head

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tuross Head reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Tuross Head is around 2,272. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,353 people, indicating a drop of 81 individuals (3.4%). AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 resulted in an estimated resident population of 2,267. The population density is approximately 143 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed significantly to population growth, accounting for around 56% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Tuross Head is expected to increase its population by approximately 199 persons by the year 2041. This projected growth reflects an increase of around 8.5% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Tuross Head, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tuross Head has had around 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 20 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has seen development activity remain adequate relative to its size, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average cost of $523,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Tuross Head shows significantly reduced construction (70.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has increased recently. This level is also below national average, suggesting mature area planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, preserving Tuross Head's low density nature with a preference for detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This shift from the current 96.0% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 288 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Tuross Head will add 194 residents by 2041 if current development rates continue, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth due to supply not keeping pace with population growth.

Future projections show Tuross Head adding 194 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Tuross Head has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects include Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border (2019), Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (2021), Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements (2020), and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail (2022).

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Tuross Head has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tuross Head has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 838 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.0% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 40.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, a moderate 14.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area had particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.7%, while employment declined by 4.2%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Tuross Head. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tuross Head's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows that Tuross Head had a median income among taxpayers of $38,946 and an average level of $49,949. Both figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate approximately $42,965 as median income and $55,104 as average income by March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Tuross Head all fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 30.9% earning $400 - $799 weekly (702 residents), unlike regional levels where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Tuross Head's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tuross Head was higher at 61.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Tuross Head was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure. Nationally, Tuross Head's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $330 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.9% of all households, including 12.0% couples with children, 46.1% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Tuross Head shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Tuross Head's residents aged 15 and above have 22.4% university degree holders, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This difference indicates potential for educational advancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 29.5%.

School and university attendance comprises 17.9% of the community, including 6.3% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tuross Head has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together offer 63 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Tuross Head is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 146 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most people commute outwards, primarily by car, which is used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Tuross Head's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Tuross Head's health data shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 47% (~1,062 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (16.7%) and mental health issues (8.6%), with 52.9% reporting no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. Tuross Head has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 48.6% (1,104 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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

Tuross Head had a cultural diversity below average, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.3% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Hungarian representation was higher at 0.5%, Scottish at 8.8%, and Macedonian at 0.3%.

Tuross Head ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tuross Head has a median age of 62 years, which is higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Tuross Head has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (28.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.8%). This concentration of 65-74-year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 13.7% to 15.8%, while the 35-44 age group has risen from 5.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 21.0% to 17.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.2%. By 2041, Tuross Head's population is projected to shift significantly in terms of age composition. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to expand by 90 people (25%), growing from 358 to 449 residents. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 67% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.