Raymond Terrace (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with fresh address validations from Districts since the Census, the suburb of Raymond Terrace has an estimated residency of 13,938 individuals in May 2026. This indicates a rise of 485 residents (3.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 13,453 individuals. The calculation relies on a local population estimate of 13,803 compiled by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 129 newly validated addresses since the Census date. This level of occupancy translates to a density of 344 persons per square kilometer, offering generous spatial distribution and opportunities for future expansion. The 3.6% growth rate of the suburb of Raymond Terrace since the census lags by 1.3 percentage points behind the Rest of NSW (4.9%), yet displays competitive underlying growth patterns. Population gains were chiefly supported by interstate relocation, which accounted for approximately 45.0% of the total growth, though natural increases and overseas arrivals also contributed positively.

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The local workforce is evenly divided between professional and industrial occupations, with notable representation in manufacturing. The local unemployment rate stands at 8.4%, while employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.5%. As of March 2026, there are 5,707 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 4.2% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, indicating potential for labor market improvement, while workforce participation is relatively low at 55.4% compared to 60.6% for Regional NSW. According to Census responses, a moderate 14.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to tax data from the financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Raymond Terrace recorded a median income of $45,993 and an average income of $55,866. These figures are below national averages and compare to regional benchmarks of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) across Regional NSW. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $50,739 for the median and $61,631 for the average. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and individual incomes all rank in the 20th percentile nationally. The data shows that 31.4% of the population, or 4,376 people, earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is close to the regional rate of 29.9%. Housing affordability is a significant concern, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile for affordability.

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At the time of the last Census, residential properties in the suburb of Raymond Terrace consisted of 83.2% detached houses and 16.8% alternative housing styles such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Homeownership rates lag behind the regional average, standing at 26.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (32.8%) or renting (40.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,517, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while weekly rent was recorded at $325 compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and average rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of households at 68.6%, consisting of couples with children at 25.5%, couples without children at 23.0%, and single-parent households at 18.8%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 31.4%, with single-person households representing 28.3% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size of 2.5 persons exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Academic attainment levels present some developmental hurdles, as the proportion of residents with university qualifications (9.5%) is below the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 6.8%, with postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 33.3%.

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Public transport services include 139 active bus stops within the suburb of Raymond Terrace. These stops connect to 97 separate routes, supporting 2,254 weekly passenger trips. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 144 meters from the nearest stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the suburb, with 95% of commuters driving. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars, which is below the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents worked from home, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Public health metrics indicate challenges in the suburb of Raymond Terrace, with chronic illnesses affecting multiple age groups. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 49% of the population, which corresponds to roughly 6,839 residents. This compares to a coverage rate of 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with 91.9% of residents holding citizenship, 91.8% born in Australia, and 96.2% using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 53.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 37 years in the suburb of Raymond Terrace is below the Regional NSW average of 43 and close to the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 are well represented at 14.4%, while the 65 to 74 demographic is smaller at 9.8% compared to the regional profile. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.4%, and the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 12.2% to 13.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, the local age structure is projected to shift. The to age group is expected to grow by individuals () from to while the to and to demographics are projected to shrink.

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Raymond Terrace currently has an estimated 919 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 528 children aged 0-2 and 352 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 27% by 2041 (to approximately 1,169 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,336. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.