Surf Beach (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Surf Beach (NSW)'s population is estimated at around 1,834 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 100 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,934 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,823, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 420 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce is characterized by a strong presence of skilled professionals in essential service areas, paired with a low jobless rate of 3.7% according to Districts regional aggregations. Employment was held by 733 residents in March 2026, which is 0.4% lower than the 4.1% rate for Regional NSW, though the participation rate of 48.2% remains well below the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census data indicates that just 12.4% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Tax data for the financial year 2023 indicates a median taxpayer income of $41,729 and an average of $51,815 in Surf Beach. These figures trail national levels, as well as the median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 recorded for Regional NSW. Adjusting these numbers for the 10.32% Wage Price Index increase since the financial year 2023 suggests estimated values of approximately $46,035 for the median and $57,162 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the area place Surf Beach between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationwide. The most common weekly income bracket, containing 548 residents or 29.9% of the population, was $800 - 1,499, which differs from the wider region where of households fall into the - category. Households experience severe financial pressure, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile for affordability.

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Census data reveals that standalone houses make up 71.4% of properties in Surf Beach, with the remaining 28.6% consisting of semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other housing formats, compared to the Regional NSW breakdown of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other configurations. Home ownership in the area is exceptionally high at 48.6%, compared to regional levels, with the rest of the market split between mortgaged properties at 22.2% and rental homes at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was significantly lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while weekly rents sat at a median of $330, matching the regional median of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in the area are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national level of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 64.3%, consisting of couples without children at 34.3%, couples with children at 17.8%, and single parents at 11.3%. Non-family households represent the remaining 35.7%, which is largely composed of single-person households at 34.7% and group homes at 1.3%. The typical household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Tertiary education rates in the area are quite low, with only 19.3% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the state benchmark of 32.2%. This gap presents a clear focus area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common high-level qualification at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate study at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly prevalent, with 41.7% of citizens aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, which include advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 31.2%.

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The local transit network consists of 42 active transport stops within Surf Beach, which are served by buses. These locations are connected to 23 distinct routes that provide 269 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is highly rated, with residents living a median distance of 149 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 97% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.3 vehicles, which is lower than the regional baseline. Only 12.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Evaluations of chronic conditions and mortality rates indicate that Surf Beach experiences significant health challenges across both older and younger demographics, while private health insurance rates are very low, covering only about 47% of residents, or approximately 870 people. This compares to a coverage rate of 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity measures show the area is below average, with citizens making up 87.3% of the population, 82.3% of residents born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, practiced by 55.2% of the population, which is close to the 55.9% average across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 52 years in Surf Beach is notably older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 18.8% locally compared to regional averages, and sits well above the national rate of 9.4%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 7.8%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age bracket has expanded from 10.2% to 12.3%, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 8.0% to 9.8%. Over the same period, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.0% to , and the to group decreased from to . Future projections for point to significant changes, with the + bracket expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of while declines are anticipated in the to and to demographics.

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Surf Beach currently has an estimated 78 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 46 children aged 0-2 and 30 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 91 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 130. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.