Tweed Heads

Population growth drivers in Tweed Heads are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Tweed Heads is around 9,896, reflecting an increase of 720 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.8% increase from the previous population of 9,176. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,669 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,631 persons per square kilometer, placing Tweed Heads in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. By 2041, Tweed Heads' population is projected to increase by 1,032 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 8.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tweed Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Tweed Heads recorded approximately 45 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 225 homes. As of FY-26, 71 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has attracted an average of 2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new homes is $493,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

In FY-26, $7.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Tweed Heads has recorded 62.0% more new home approvals per person. The area's development activity shows 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% townhouses or apartments. Tweed Heads indicates a mature market with around 348 people per approval. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 805 residents based on current development patterns.

Looking ahead, Tweed Heads is expected to grow by 805 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tweed Heads has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure and major projects. AreaSearch has identified 32 such projects that could impact the area. Notable among these are Enid Street Residential Towers, River Terrace Mixed-Use Development, Tweed Heads Road Infrastructure Upgrades, and Tweed Heads Social Housing Development. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Tweed Heads has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tweed Heads has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 3.4%. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 4,033 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 49.0%, significantly lower than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 15.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.

The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, with a simultaneous 0.0% employment decline, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tweed Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Tweed Heads had a median taxpayer income of $44,792 and an average income of $58,092. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,761 (median) and $63,239 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows Tweed Heads' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 29.1% of Tweed Heads residents (2,879 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Tweed Heads, with only 79.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Tweed Heads features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Tweed Heads' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 25.0% houses and 75.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tweed Heads stood at 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $403, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Tweed Heads' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Tweed Heads features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.4 percent of all households, including 14.8 percent couples with children, 30.8 percent couples without children, and 9.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.6 percent, with lone person households at 38.4 percent and group households comprising 5.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Tweed Heads aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Tweed Heads residents aged 15 and above have a university degree qualification rate of 23.1%, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. The most common university qualifications are bachelor degrees (16.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 27.3%. Currently, 22.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 6.5% in primary, 5.2% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 6.5% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tweed Heads has 57 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 52 different routes, collectively offering 1,954 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 196 meters to the nearest stop. In this mainly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, followed by walking at 9% and cycling at 2%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 279 trips is made daily, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Tweed Heads'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

Tweed Heads residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions (released on 15th March 2022). The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups, aligning with national benchmarks.

Approximately 49.6% of the population (~4,942 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (7.6%). A total of 61.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health outcomes are typical for the area. Tweed Heads has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.2% (3,384 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes rank above average nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Tweed Heads records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tweed Heads' cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.6% being citizens, 77.6% born in Australia, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 54.8%. Judaism's representation is higher than average, at 0.2% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (32.7%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (11.0%). Spanish (0.6%), Maori (0.8%), and New Zealand (0.8%) ethnicities show notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.3%, and 0.4% respectively.

Tweed Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Tweed Heads is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 12.5% in Tweed Heads, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.1%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.2% of the population in Tweed Heads, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.4%. By 2041, it is projected that the 85+ age cohort will expand considerably by 300 people (56%), from 534 to 835. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.