Lake Cathie (NSW)

Detail

According to the analysis of demographic records from the ABS for the wider region, combined with address verifications performed by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Lake Cathie has a projected population of approximately 5,286 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 990 residents (23.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 4,296 individuals. The discrepancy is derived from a resident count of 5,282 estimated by Districts using the ABS population dataset from June 2025 alongside an extra 487 verified new addresses registered post-Census. With this population level, the density stands at 275 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future housing expansion. The 23.0% expansion recorded since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing the locality as a regional growth leader. Population expansion was mostly driven by arrivals from other states, which accounted for roughly 85.0% of the total demographic growth in recent times.

Detail

The suburb of Lake Cathie has a qualified workforce with a high concentration of workers in crucial service industries. The unemployment rate is low at 2.8%, based on compiled statistical data. In March 2026, working residents numbered 2,145, with unemployment sitting 1.3% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. However, participation in the workforce is notably lower, at 49.7% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. According to Census data, 14.5% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

Detail

Tax statistics from the ATO compiled for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Lake Cathie has personal income levels below the national average. Taxpayers in the suburb of Lake Cathie registered a median income of $46,987 and an average income of $58,451, compared to $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of $51,836 and an average of $64,483 as of March 2026. Census statistics from 2021 show that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Lake Cathie rank between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket is $800 - 1,499, accounting for 28.8% of residents (1,522 individuals), whereas the dominant bracket across the wider region is - at . Once housing costs are paid, residents retain of their income, placing the area in the th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index ranks the local income level in the th decile.

Detail

Census data reveals that housing in the suburb of Lake Cathie consists of 91.1% separate houses and 9.0% alternative housing types such as townhouses and flats, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses comprise 82.6% and other dwellings make up 17.4%. Outright home ownership is high at 54.0%, which is well above the Regional NSW rate, while the remaining homes are occupied by buyers with a mortgage (28.3%) or tenants (17.7%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,850, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $380, compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, home loan repayments in the suburb of Lake Cathie are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up 75.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 24.2%, couples without children at 40.9%, and single-parent households at 9.8%. The remaining 24.2% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households at 23.1% and group households at 1.1%. The average household size is 2.4 residents, matching the Regional NSW standard.

Detail

The local population has low rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 18.3%, well below the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 32.9%.

Detail

An analysis of public transport reveals that there are 39 transit stops operating in the suburb of Lake Cathie, consisting of various bus options. These stops are serviced by 30 separate bus routes, offering a total of 251 weekly passenger connections. Accessibility is high, with homes situated an average of 212 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, resulting in a high rate of outbound commuting, with private cars remaining the primary travel choice for 95% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.5 cars per home. Approximately 14.5% of working residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic conditions.

Detail

Health statistics show positive trends for the suburb of Lake Cathie. Mortality data and the frequency of health issues align with national averages, showing a low incidence of common conditions in both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 50% of residents (~2,647 individuals), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The suburb of Lake Cathie shows low levels of cultural diversity. Local residents born in Australia make up 89.0% of the population, 94.3% hold citizenship, and 97.7% speak only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 58.6% of the population, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

Detail

The median age of 52 years is much higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 19.1% locally, compared to the regional average, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 6.1%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 10.6% to 12.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.5% to 10.5%. Population projections for 2041 point to major demographic shifts. The to age group is expected to grow the fastest at , adding people to reach a total of while the to group is projected to grow by just ( individuals).

Detail

Lake Cathie currently has an estimated 232 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 116 children aged 0-2 and 78 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 36% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 22% by 2041 (to approximately 282 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 394. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 5.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.