Sawtell (NSW)

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Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Sawtell's population is estimated at around 3,828 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 40 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,788 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,822, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. Sawtell has a density of 1,031 persons per square kilometer, which is consistent with the averages generally observed across locations assessed by Districts. Sawtell's 1.1% growth since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Sawtell has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,695 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.7% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Sawtell had a median income among taxpayers of $50,404 with the average level standing at $60,641. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,606 (median) and $66,899 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Sawtell, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 29.0% of locals (1,110 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Sawtell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 68.5% houses and 31.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Sawtell was beyond that of Regional NSW, at 42.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Sawtell's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 64.7% of all households, comprising 23.1% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in Sawtell significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 19.8% in SA4 region and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (25.0%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within Sawtell comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 184 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 16.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Sawtell residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,949 people).

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Sawtell was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Sawtell was found to be Christianity, which makes up 49.2% of people in Sawtell. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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At 47 years, Sawtell's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.0%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.6% to 9.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.8% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to cohort has declined from to . By Sawtell is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . The aging population dynamic is clear, with those + comprising of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Sawtell currently has an estimated 214 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 127 children aged 0-2 and 84 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 20% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 209 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 385. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.