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 Feb 2026, the population of Tuross Head is estimated at around 2,308, reflecting a decrease of 45 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease represents a 1.9% change from the previous population figure of 2,353. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ERP release by the ABS, along with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 145 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Interstate migration has been the primary driver of population growth in Tuross Head during recent periods, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas. For non-covered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest that Tuross Head is expected to experience population growth in line with the median rate of non-metropolitan areas nationally. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is anticipated to increase its population by 208 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 8.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Tuross Head when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Tuross Head recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 20 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, 7.7 new residents per year have been associated with every home built during these years. This significant demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $523,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tuross Head has markedly lower building activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Tuross Head's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 302 people per dwelling approval, Tuross Head exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Tuross Head will gain 202 residents through to 2041, according to 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 48thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border (start date 2018), Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (effective from 2015), Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements (start date 2017), and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail (announced in 2013).

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The employment landscape in Tuross Head presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Tuross Head has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025892 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Tuross Head lags behind Regional NSW at 42.7%, compared to 61.3%. A moderate 14.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Tuross Head specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 3.4%, alongside a 2.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tuross Head's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.8% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Tuross Head's median income among taxpayers is $38,946, with an average of $49,949. This is lower than the national average and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (estimated at 8.86%), current income estimates for Tuross Head would be approximately $42,397 median and $54,374 average. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Tuross Head fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 30.9% of residents earn $400-$799 weekly (713 individuals), unlike the regional trend where the $1,500-$2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.8% income retention, 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), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tuross Head was 61.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tuross Head was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure but significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Tuross Head's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,430 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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% that are couples with children, 46.1% that are couples without children, and 6.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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+ have 22.4% with university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%, indicating potential for educational development. 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+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 29.5%. School and university attendance makes up 17.9% of the community, including 6.3% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 17.9% of the community. This includes 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 collectively offer 63 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Tuross Head's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

The level of general health in Tuross Head is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Tuross Head shows better-than-average health results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low occurrences of common health issues. Private health insurance coverage is quite low at about 47% (~1,079 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%.

Nationally, it's 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 16.7%) and mental health problems (8.6%). Around 52.9% of residents report no medical issues, versus Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face significant health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has a larger senior population at 47.4% (~1,093 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

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% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.3%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.2%).

Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5% versus regional 0.2%, Scottish at 8.8% versus 8.0%, and Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0.4%.

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 above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Tuross Head has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (28.4%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.7%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 5.7% to 7.7%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 13.7% to 14.9%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 decreased from 21.0% to 17.9%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, Tuross Head's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 81 people (24%), from 343 to 425. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 64% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. However, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.