Buff Point (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Buff Point's population is estimated at around 3,683 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 124 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,559 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,681, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,762 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by Districts. The suburb of Buff Point's 3.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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The suburb of Buff Point features a balanced labor pool distributed across professional and trade roles, with significant representation in public and community services, a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.8% over the prior year. Active workers numbered 1,654 as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.2% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while the participation rate remains notably lower at 57.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census responses show a moderate 22.7% of the local workforce performed their duties from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Tax data for the financial year 2023 indicates that personal earnings in the suburb of Buff Point sit below the national median. Taxpayers recorded a median income of $46,258 and an average income of $52,949, contrasting with Greater Sydney values of $60,817 and $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, the updated figures are estimated at approximately $51,032 for the median and $58,413 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census records place the household, family, and individual earnings of the area between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. Looking at the income distribution, 30.6% of residents (representing 1,126 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, matching the wider region where fit this category. Home payment pressures are significant, leaving only of income after housing costs, which ranks in the th percentile.

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Residential architecture in the suburb of Buff Point consists of 96.1% separate houses and 3.9% alternative housing options (such as townhouses, units, and other structures), compared to the metropolitan Sydney split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Buff Point reached 40.2%, substantially exceeding the metropolitan Sydney rate, with the remaining residences being paid off via mortgages (37.1%) or occupied by tenants (22.7%). The median monthly home loan repayment was $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $380, compared to metropolitan Sydney averages of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the majority of homes at 69.5%, consisting of 26.0% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 13.7% single parents. Other households account for 30.5% of the total, with single occupants at 27.7% and group homes at 2.4%. The average household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Sydney median of 2.7.

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Educational attainment levels present a challenge, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (11.6%) tracking well below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher education qualification at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Trade and practical qualifications are common, with 46.0% of the population aged 15 and over possessing vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificate-level training (35.3%).

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A review of public transit options shows 36 active stops within the suburb of Buff Point, consisting of bus services. These locations are served by 21 separate routes, which combine to run 512 passenger trips each week. Transit access is very high, with residents living an average of 148 meters from their nearest stop. Being mostly residential, 94% of commuting residents travel outside the suburb by car. Car ownership stands at 1.4 vehicles per household, which is above the regional norm. Additionally, 22.7% of working residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census.

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Analysis of mortality and long-term health trends highlights significant health challenges in the suburb of Buff Point, with various conditions affecting both youth and elderly demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 48% of the population, representing about 1,765 individuals. This is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9% and the national standard of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Buff Point has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national averages, with 89.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% holding citizenship, and 96.8% communicating only in English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, which is practiced by 58.1% of residents, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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With a median age of 44, the suburb of Buff Point is older than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 12.9% compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 8.3% to 9.6%, while the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 14.7% to 12.9%. Projections for 2041 indicate significant changes: the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 47% (an increase of people), rising from to . Residents aged and over will account for of the projected growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the to and to age brackets are expected to contract.

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Buff Point currently has an estimated 220 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 125 children aged 0-2 and 83 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 213 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 320. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.