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, as of Nov 2025 the suburb of Tweed Heads West's population is estimated at around 6,430. This reflects an increase of 254 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,176 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,335 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer. Tweed Heads West's 4.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The suburb is expected to increase by 633 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Tweed Heads West has recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 36 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved in FY-26 so far.

On average, for every home built over these years, there are about 9.1 new residents annually. This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties is around $493,000. Comparatively, Tweed Heads West shows substantially reduced construction activity when measured against the Rest of NSW, with 62.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Similarly, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 1275 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Tweed Heads West is expected to grow by approximately 614 residents through to 2041, according to the 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Sceniq Bilambil Heights, Cobaki Lakes Development, Terranora Lakes Masterplanned Community (formerly Terranora Lakes Country Club Redevelopment), and Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, 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 significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.2%.

This rate is 0.4% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Tweed Heads West is 48.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.6% of Tweed Heads West's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.0%, while employment declined by 4.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.1% employment decline and 0.3% labour force growth, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Tweed Heads West's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 indicates that Tweed Heads West had a median income among taxpayers of $41,534 and an average income of $53,867. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Tweed Heads West would be approximately $46,771 (median) and $60,660 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Tweed Heads West all fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 31.7% of the community (2,038 individuals) earn within the $400 - 799 range, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Tweed Heads West, with only 79.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.6% houses and 43.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tweed Heads West stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,664, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent figure in the area was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Tweed Heads West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,664 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also less at $350 compared to 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 constitute 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 account for 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%, with 8.9% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Tweed Heads West has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together facilitate 700 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 100 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual 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% (~3,105 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Conversely, 60.6% report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.2% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.7% (1,781 people), compared to 26.1% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 83.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 79.5% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 91.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.7%.

The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.8% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.1%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs regional 0.7%), Australian Aboriginals at 4.6% (vs 3.0%), and Maori at 0.7% (vs 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 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 35-44 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.3% of the population in Tweed Heads West. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.8%. By 2041, Tweed Heads West is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 19%, reaching a population of 1,006 from the current 848. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.