Heddon Greta (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates evaluated for the broader region alongside address counts validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Heddon Greta has an estimated population of 4,601 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 1,763 people (62.1%) from the 2,838 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This change is calculated from a resident population of 4,594, which Districts estimated using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and 437 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level represents a density of 925 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages across locations monitored by Districts. The growth rate of 62.1% since the 2021 census for the suburb of Heddon Greta outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the state overall, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains were driven mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 68.0% of the overall population growth during recent periods, though all growth drivers including natural increase and overseas migration made positive contributions.

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The local workforce is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with industrial and manufacturing sectors highly represented. The area has an unemployment rate of 2.7% and experienced an estimated employment expansion of 4.6% over the past year, according to statistical area data aggregated by Districts. In March 2026, 1,876 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.4% below the 4.1% rate for Regional NSW. However, the participation rate of 54.4% is significantly lower than the 60.6% seen in Regional NSW. Census data indicates a moderate 16.6% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown measures.

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Taxpayer income data from the ATO at the postcode level, aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, shows a median income of $66,464 and an average income of $77,915. This is considerably higher than the national average, and contrasts with the median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated at approximately $73,323 (median) and $85,956 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings show that personal, household, and family incomes are situated around the 71st percentile nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which includes 43.2% of residents (1,987 people), matching the metropolitan trend where this group represents of the population. High housing costs account for of earnings, but strong incomes keep disposable income at the th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing stock consisted of 94.1% detached houses and 5.9% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates lagged behind the regional benchmark, sitting at 23.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (50.4%) or renters (26.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,950 was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $420 compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 85.7%, consisting of couples with children (42.0%), couples without children (28.7%), and single-parent households (14.4%). Non-family households account for the remaining 14.3%, which is comprised of lone person households (13.1%) and group households (1.3%). The median household size is 2.9 people, exceeding the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels present challenges, with university graduation rates at 10.8%, which is considerably below the NSW average of 32.2%. This provides an opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 49.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (39.4%).

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Public transit analysis indicates there are 23 active transit stops in the area, which consist of bus services. These stops are served by 27 separate routes that deliver 288 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as good, with residents living an average of 209 meters from the closest transit stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel for 97% of commuters. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 2.0 per household, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic health conditions, the local population faces notable health challenges across both older and younger age groups. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 58% of the population (~2,654 people) covered, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

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Cultural diversity is below average in the area, with 94.7% of residents born in Australia, 94.2% holding citizenship, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 52.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

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The median age of 32 years is significantly below the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the area has a higher share of residents aged 25 - 34 (19.2%) and a smaller share of residents aged 65 - 74 (6.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 17.5% to 19.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 1.9% to 3.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.3% to 9.5%, and the 55 to group decreased from to . By demographic shifts will alter the age profile, led by the to cohort which is expected to expand by ( people), growing from to .

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Heddon Greta currently has an estimated 409 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 213 children aged 0-2 and 143 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 66% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 40% by 2041 (to approximately 571 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 486. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.