Evans Head (NSW)

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According to the analysis of demographic updates from the ABS for the region and address confirmations by Districts since the Census, Evans Head has a population estimated to be approximately 3,093 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 186 people (6.4%) compared to the 2,907 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The variation is derived from a resident headcount of 3,089 calculated by Districts based on the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an extra 202 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level means a density of 139 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of room per inhabitant and opportunities for future expansion. The growth rate of 6.4% in Evans Head since the 2021 census was higher than the 3.7% recorded across the SA4 region, as well as the Rest of NSW, making the locality a regional growth standout. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 69.0% of the population increase in recent times, though other elements such as overseas migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

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Evans Head is home to a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of just 3.7%, and an estimated job growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to Districts calculations of regional data. In March 2026, there were 1,293 employed local residents, and the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is significantly lower (49.9% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census statistics show that a moderate 13.7% of employed residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO statistics published for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Evans Head has a median taxpayer income of $42,940 and an average taxpayer income of $51,229. This stands below the national standard, comparing to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year yields updated estimates of approximately $47,371 for the median and $56,516 for the average in March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in Evans Head between the 6th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution figures show the $800 - 1,499 weekly bracket contains 28.4% of the population (878 individuals), differing from broader regional trends where of residents earn within the - bracket. Financial stress from housing costs is significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing types in Evans Head at the time of the latest Census consisted of 54.7% detached houses and 45.3% other home types (comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 82.6% detached houses and 17.4% other home types in Regional NSW. Outright home ownership in Evans Head exceeded the Regional NSW level at 43.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with mortgages (18.3%) or tenants (38.6%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,642, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $321 compared to the Regional NSW average of $330. Nationwide, home loan commitments in Evans Head are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are substantially below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 62.4% of all households, consisting of 18.0% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 37.6%, with single-person households making up 35.0% and shared households accounting for 2.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 residents is lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The community has lower levels of higher education, with university graduation rates (19.7%) sitting well below the NSW average of 32.2%. This difference highlights a need and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.8%).

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Public transport data shows 78 transit stops operating within Evans Head, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, providing 224 passenger services weekly. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 102 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers travel out of the area to work, with private cars remaining the primary option at 89%, while 7% walk and 2% cycle. Car ownership averages 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. About 13.7% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Health indicators point to significant difficulties in Evans Head, based on Districts assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illness rates, with a high occurrence of common medical issues across both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage is low, held by approximately 47% of the population (~1,461 people). This compares to 51.9% of residents in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Evans Head displays lower levels of ethnic diversity, with citizens making up 90.0% of the population, 92.5% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 57.1% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 52 years in Evans Head is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented (18.6% locally), while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented (8.2%). The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 8.4% to 10.5% of the population. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 16.5% to 15.2% and the 5 to group fell from to . Population forecasts for suggest major demographic changes. The to cohort is projected to grow by , adding residents to total whereas the to age group is expected to decrease by residents.

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Evans Head currently has an estimated 111 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 69 children aged 0-2 and 46 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 131 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 248. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.5 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.