Crescent Head (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from ABS updates across the wider region, alongside newly confirmed locations by Districts following the Census, the resident count of Crescent Head is projected to stand at approximately 1,663 by May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 30 people (1.8%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,633 people. The adjustment stems from an estimated population of 1,660 determined by Districts through analysing the June 2025 ABS ERP figures, combined with 16 validated new addresses verified after the Census. This level of occupancy translates to a density of 9.1 persons per square kilometer, suggesting a spacious living environment. The post-census growth rate of 1.8% in Crescent Head is within 2.5 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (4.3%), showing robust underlying expansion. The demographic gains in the area were mainly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Crescent Head possesses a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 4.8%, according to data compiled by Districts. In March 2026752 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate stood 0.7% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and workforce participation was noticeably lower at 55.5% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%. Census records indicate that a moderate 15.9% of the working population performed their duties from home, although this may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Crescent Head trail the national average, according to ATO statistics aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median taxpayer income in the suburb of Crescent Head is $48,723, with the average income recorded at $57,146, compared to Regional NSW figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $53,751 for the median and $63,043 for the average by March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Crescent Head all placed between the 21st and 23rd percentiles nationwide. The dominant income bracket consists of the 29.0% of taxpayers earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, representing residents, which is consistent with the wider region where this group makes up . Although housing costs are manageable, leaving residents with of their earnings, overall disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing composition of Crescent Head consisted of 82.3% stand-alone houses and 17.6% alternative housing styles such as apartments, semi-detached properties, and other options, compared to Regional NSW where stand-alone houses comprised 82.6% and other options made up 17.4%. The rate of outright home ownership in Crescent Head was considerably higher than the Regional NSW average at 52.8%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents paying off a mortgage (22.7%) or renting (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,591, which sits below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $320 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Crescent Head are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are similarly below the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the majority of homes at 63.5%, consisting of couples with children at 21.1%, couples without children at 30.5%, and single parent households at 11.0%. The remaining 36.5% of homes are non-family households, with single person dwellings representing 31.9% and group living situations accounting for 4.3%. The median household occupancy of 2.2 residents is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct when compared to the broader region, with tertiary graduation rates sitting at 24.4% of residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than the SA3 average of 14.8%, highlighting local educational attainment. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational training is also prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 32.7%.

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Public transit options in Crescent Head consist of 9 active stops offering bus services. These stops are connected to 8 different routes, which together provide 62 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as favorable, with residents living an average of 358 meters from the nearest stop. The locality is predominantly residential, and most workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 92%, while 8% of commuters walk. Households average 1.5 vehicles. Working from home was recorded at 15.9% in the 2021 Census, which may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

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Crescent Head exhibits positive health patterns according to Districts metrics tracking mortality and chronic illnesses, with low rates of common health conditions observed across both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population, which represents about 824 people. This compares to 51.9% for Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Crescent Head displays a low level of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 90.4% of the population, 88.1% of residents born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 46.1% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.3% of residents compared to 0.9% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 50, Crescent Head is older than the Regional NSW benchmark of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 18.1% compared to Regional NSW, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 9.1%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.5% to 8.9%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket has grown from 7.7% to 9.8%. In contrast, the 55 to group declined from to , and the to cohort decreased from to . Demographic projections indicate the age profile of Crescent Head will shift by with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), rising from to while declines are projected for the to and to age groups.

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Crescent Head currently has an estimated 78 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 51 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 0% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 90 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 138. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.