Taree (NSW)

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According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly residential address confirmations by Districts, the suburb of Taree has an estimated population of 17,026 as of May 2026. This indicates an addition of 311 people (1.9%) relative to the 16,715 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This growth is calculated using an estimated base population of 17,006 from the June 2025 ABS ERP release combined with 128 validated new addresses registered after the census. The suburb of Taree spans a density of 355 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for future residential expansion. The post-census growth of 1.9% in the suburb of Taree is 1.7 percentage points below the 3.6% growth rate observed in the wider SA3 region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, accounting for 57% of the overall population increase in recent times.

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The local labor market features a mix of white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a high concentration of essential service workers. As of March 2026, 6,228 local residents are employed. The unemployment rate stands at 9.3%, which is 5.2% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is low at 48.7% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that only 5.7% of local workers work from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year show local incomes are below national benchmarks, with a median income of $40,229 and an average income of $49,014, compared to $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are $44,381 for the median and $54,072 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all placed between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment is the $400 - 799 weekly band, containing 32.3% of earners (5,499 individuals), whereas the wider region is dominated by the $1,500 - band at . Low-income households are common, with earning under weekly. Consequently, housing costs absorb a large share of income, leaving only of income remaining, which ranks in the th percentile nationally.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix comprised 78.3% separate houses and 21.7% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership stood at 38.3%, matching the regional average, with the remaining properties divided between mortgaged homes (23.0%) and rental properties (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 and median weekly rent of $289 are both lower than the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the Australian figure of $375.

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Families make up 61.3% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 17.8%, couples without children at 26.1%, and single-parent families at 16.1%. Non-family households represent 38.7% of the total, with lone-person households accounting for 35.7% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels are low, with 12.5% of residents holding a university degree compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational education is highly represented, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 31.5%.

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Public transport services include 340 active bus and train stops. These are connected by 60 routes, providing 976 weekly services. The average distance to a transit point is 126 meters, indicating good accessibility. Most working residents travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 93%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per household, below the regional benchmark. Working from home was recorded for 5.7% of residents in the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

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Analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness shows significant health challenges in the area across multiple age groups. The rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 46% of the population (~7,898 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity indicators are below average, with citizens making up 88.6% of the population, 90.2% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 57.6%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 44 years is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years and higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a higher concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 (10.3%) but fewer aged 45 - 54 (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.9% to 12.3% and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 9.8% to 11.0%, while the 65 to 74 group fell from 12.8% to 11.9%. By 2041, the 45 to cohort is projected to expand by ( people), rising from to while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Taree currently has an estimated 1,055 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 629 children aged 0-2 and 420 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 24% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 1,140 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,591. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.7 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.