Charmhaven (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside new address data validated by Districts since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Charmhaven is approximately 2,740 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 239 people (9.6%) from the 2,501 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident population of 2,738 estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 82 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 387 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential for expansion. The 9.6% growth rate in the suburb of Charmhaven since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA4 region (3.4%) and the SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. This population rise was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 99.0% of the gains in recent times.

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Charmhaven features a workforce with a mix of white-collar and blue-collar roles, where the construction industry is highly represented. The unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, and employment grew by an estimated 4.6% over the past year, according to statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, there were 1,240 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, and participation in the labor force is low at 57.5% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that 16.6% of working residents operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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According to aggregated postcode-level ATO data from the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Charmhaven recorded a median income of $47,479 and an average income of $57,029. These figures are below the national averages and compare to $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) in Greater Sydney. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be roughly $52,379 for the median and $62,914 for the average as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Charmhaven fall between the 15th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution is concentrated in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 34.9% of residents (956 people), similar to the broader region where of households fall into this bracket. Affordability pressures are notable, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the rd percentile.

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According to the latest Census, residential structures in Charmhaven consisted of 92.8% standalone houses and 7.3% other home types, such as townhouses and units, compared to the Sydney metro split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate of 30.7% was higher than the Sydney metro average, with remaining homes held under a mortgage (38.4%) or rented (30.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,705 was lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was recorded at $375, compared to the Sydney metro average of $470. Locally, mortgage repayments are below the national average of $1,863, while rents are identical to the Australian median of $375.

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Families make up 70.0% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 25.6%, couples without children at 25.4%, and single-parent households at 17.4%. Non-family households account for 30.0% of the total, with lone person households representing 24.7% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Local statistics show lower levels of formal education, with university graduation rates at 10.6% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the highest qualification level at 7.8%, with postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas each at 1.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (35.3%).

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Analysis of public transit options shows 43 active bus stops operating in Charmhaven. These stops service 35 different routes, which provide 1,228 passenger trips weekly. Transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 128 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode for 94% of residents. Dwellings average 1.5 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. About 16.6% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Significant health issues are present in Charmhaven, as shown by Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which affect both younger and older residents. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~1,357 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Charmhaven exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of residents born in Australia, 91.2% holding citizenship, and 95.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 50.2% of the population. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is Buddhism at 1.7%, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 39 years in Charmhaven is slightly above the Greater Sydney average of 37 and very close to the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 65 - 74 age bracket is overrepresented at 10.6%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 13.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 5.6% to 6.7% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.3% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts project major shifts, led by a 37% increase (68 people) in the 75 to 84 age group, rising from to . Seniors aged and older are expected to make up of total growth, while the to and to age brackets are projected to decline.

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Charmhaven currently has an estimated 178 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 93 children aged 0-2 and 63 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 171 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 235. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.