Chinderah (NSW)

Detail

According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Chinderah has an estimated population of approximately 1,715 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 76 people (4.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,639 people. The variation is calculated from the resident population of 1,706, estimated by Districts after analyzing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale corresponds to a density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per person and potential capacity for additional development. The 4.6% growth in the suburb of Chinderah since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.7%), as well as the SA3 area, making it a regional leader in growth. Population expansion in the area was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which served as the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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Chinderah has a balanced workforce covering white and blue collar employment, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 3.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026633 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (40.9% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Chinderah's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Chinderah's median income among taxpayers is $32,985 and the average income stands at $49,875, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $36,389 (median) and $55,022 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Chinderah all fall between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 48.0% of the community (823 individuals), unlike trends the surrounding region where fall within the - range. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with earning below weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. While housing costs are modest with of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the nd percentile nationally.

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Dwelling structure within Chinderah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 46.9% houses and 53.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Chinderah was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 72.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (10.7%) or rented (17.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $245, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Chinderah's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 44.8% of all households, comprising 10.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.2%, with lone person households at 52.2% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (33.5%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 27 active transport stops operating within Chinderah comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 608 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 10.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Chinderah, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~801 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

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Chinderah was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.2% of its population being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Chinderah was found to be Christianity, which makes up 57.4% of people in Chinderah. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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At 62 years, Chinderah's median age is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Chinderah has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (27.9%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (5.4%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 15.0% to 16.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 55 to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . By Chinderah is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The to age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the to cohort grows by a modest ( people).

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Chinderah currently has an estimated 25 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 45 children aged 0-2 and 30 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 28 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 169. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.