Tweed Heads West

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tweed Heads West 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Tweed Heads West statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 6,456 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 280 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,176 people, marking a growth rate of 4.5%. AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population was 6,332 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This resulted in a density ratio of 647 persons per square kilometer. The Tweed Heads West (SA2) demonstrated higher growth compared to its SA4 region (3.9%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 50% 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected rise of 636 persons in the Tweed Heads West (SA2) by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of approximately 9.2% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Tweed Heads West has recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 38 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these years, about 8.7 new residents have been added annually.

This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $493,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $21.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW and nationally, Tweed Heads West shows reduced construction activity (60.0% below regional average per person), reflecting its mature stage and possible planning constraints. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2124 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Tweed Heads West to add 591 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely influencing the region. Key initiatives include Sceniq Bilambil Heights, Cobaki Lakes Development, Terranora Lakes Masterplanned Community (formerly Terranora Lakes Country Club Redevelopment), and Elysian Heights Residential Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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 3.5%, Tweed Heads West has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tweed Heads West has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,762 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Tweed Heads West is 48.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.7%, employment by 1.9%, leading to an unemployment rate drop of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tweed Heads West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Tweed Heads West had a median income among taxpayers of $41,534 and an average of $53,867. This was below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Tweed Heads West would be approximately $45,214 (median) and $58,640 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Tweed Heads West all fell between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 dominated with 31.7% of residents (2,046 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Tweed Heads West, with only 79.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Tweed Heads West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.6% houses and 43.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro NSW's 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tweed Heads West was at 40.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.3%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,664, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Tweed Heads West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,664 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.7% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Tweed Heads West shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.2%, comprising primary education (8.9%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 37 active stops operating in Tweed Heads West, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 693 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per stop.

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

Tweed Heads West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~3,117 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.0% of residents) and mental health issues (9.7%). Conversely, 60.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.2% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 27.8% (1,794 people), higher than the 26.1% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those for the general population.

Tweed Heads West ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tweed Heads West had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 79.5% born in Australia, and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.7% of the population. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation in Tweed Heads West with 1.2%, compared to 0.8% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.1%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 0.9%, Australian Aboriginals 4.6%, and Maori 0.7%, each higher than their respective regional percentages of 0.7%, 3.0%, and 0.5%.

Tweed Heads West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tweed Heads West has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.6% of the population in Tweed Heads West, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.9%. By 2041, Tweed Heads West is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 62%, reaching 407 people from 251. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to decrease in population.