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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of 1 Nov 2025, Tuross Head's estimated population is around 2,309. This reflects a decrease of 44 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,353. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 2,302 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 145 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tuross Head has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 56% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data is not available, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to increase its population just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with an expected increase of 198 persons to reach a total of 2,507 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.6% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Tuross Head has received approximately four dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 20 homes. In FY-26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. This averages to about eight new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments, constructing new properties at an average value of $523,000. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tuross Head shows reduced construction activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's construction level is also below national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 302 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Tuross Head adding 313 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 47thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, 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 is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025886 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 37.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization 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 Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 4.5%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In comparison, 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 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 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tuross Head's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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 ending June 2023, Tuross Head had a median income among taxpayers of $38,946 and an average income of $49,949. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Tuross Head would be approximately $42,397 and average income around $54,374 by that date. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Tuross Head all fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 30.9% of residents earning between $400 and $799 weekly, differing from regional patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs with 87.8% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

In Tuross Head, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tuross Head stood at 61.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Tuross Head was $330, slightly higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $320. Nationally, Tuross Head's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,430 is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its weekly rent of $330 is substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households represent 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 account for the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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

Tuross Head's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 12.1% and certificates for 29.5%.

School and university attendance encompasses 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 these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 146 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 9 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Tuross Head faces significant health challenges, with varied conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 47%, covering about 1,079 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (affecting 16.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). Conversely, 52.9% claim no medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 46.6%, or 1,075 people, compared to 31.7% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity below average. It comprised 83.9% Australian-born population, with 91.3% being citizens and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.3%, compared to 49.0% in Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.9%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Hungarian ethnicity was higher than regional averages at 0.5% versus 0.2%, Scottish at 8.8% versus 8.6%, and Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0%.

Tuross Head ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Tuross Head's median age is 62 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tuross Head has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (28.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.2%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 5.7% to 7.0%, while the 55-64 age group has declined from 21.0% to 18.6% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 5.7% to 4.2%. By 2041, Tuross Head's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 104 people (31%), from 339 to 444. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.