Casuarina (NSW)

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In the suburb of Casuarina (NSW), updated ABS population figures and address audits by Districts indicate the local population is roughly 3,389 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 133 people (4.1%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,256 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 3,373, which Districts calculated using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside subsequent address confirmations. The current population translates to 1,264 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density found in other analyzed locations. The 4.1% rate of growth since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, establishing the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Population gains were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration, which served as the lone source of growth during recent timeframes.

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The local workforce is highly educated with strong representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 2.7% and a 2.9% rise in employment over the past year. In March 2026, there are 1,731 employed residents, with unemployment tracking 1.4% below the 4.1% rate seen in Regional NSW, and participation at 68.7% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census records indicate that 29.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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ATO records for the financial year 2023 reveal that taxpayers in Casuarina earn a median income of $62,236 and an average income of $94,103. These figures are exceptionally high by national standards and compare to a regional median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a 10.32% increase in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at approximately $68,659 for the median and $103,814 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal earnings ranked between the 77th and 84th percentiles nationally. Weekly earnings of $1,500 - 2,999 form the largest bracket, containing 32.9% of residents (1,114 people), which aligns with the regional proportion of in this range. High earners are well represented, with of residents earning more than weekly, pointing to robust local spending power. Housing costs absorb of income, yet strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the st percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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The housing stock in Casuarina at the time of the latest Census consisted of 71.1% houses and 28.9% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership rates lagged the region at 30.8%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (46.6%) or renting (22.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,500 sat well above the regional average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $635 exceeded the regional average of $330. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rent costs are above the national median of $375.

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Families make up 83.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 44.8%, couples without children at 29.9%, and single-parent households at 9.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.2%, which is made up of single-person households at 13.8% and group living situations at 2.2%. The median household size of 2.9 individuals exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational profiles in Casuarina are higher than regional trends, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 21.5% in the SA3 area. This educational lead positions the community well for professional services. Bachelor degrees are held by 25.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational and technical training is also common, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.6%).

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Public transport services include 17 active bus stops operating locally. These stops are connected to 32 routes, which provide 268 weekly passenger services. Access to transport is strong, with residents living an average of 174 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 92%. Dwellings average 1.7 cars, exceeding regional averages. A significant 29.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health metrics reflect positive outcomes throughout Casuarina, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality across all demographics, while private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 64% of the population (2,169 people). This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below national averages, with 82.3% of the population born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 95.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 50.9% of residents. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 41 years is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43 but above the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket is highly represented at 16.9% relative to Regional NSW, while the 25 - 34 cohort is lower at 5.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 10.1% to 11.6% and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 2.5% to 3.8%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group fell from 12.5% to 11.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort declined from to . Projections suggest the age mix will shift by with the to cohort showing the largest growth at , adding residents to reach while the to cohort is expected to grow by only ( people).

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Casuarina currently has an estimated 216 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 90 children aged 0-2 and 59 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 244 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 335. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.