Tathra (NSW)

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According to evaluations of ABS population adjustments for the broader region and recent address validations conducted by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Tathra has an estimated population of approximately 1,508 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 19 people (1.2%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 1,527 residents. This adjustment is calculated based on an estimated resident population of 1,506 by Districts, derived from the ABS ERP release in June 2025, combined with 25 validated new addresses added since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 72 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. Recent population gains were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 50.0% of the total growth.

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The suburb of Tathra possesses a highly educated labor force with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.9%, according to Districts statistical area compilations. In March 2026, there were 645 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is considerably lower at 49.0% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a moderate 13.5% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Compiled postcode-level ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of Tathra had a median income of $45,686 and an average income of $55,962. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these figures for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year suggests current incomes are approximately $50,401 for the median and $61,737 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes are positioned at the 14th percentile nationally, whereas individual incomes rank higher at the 38th percentile. Income distribution statistics show that 28.5% of the population, representing 429 people, earn within the $800 - bracket, while the most common bracket in the wider region is - at . Local residents retain of their income after housing costs, yet overall disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally, and the local SEIFA income index ranks in the th decile.

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Residential dwellings in the suburb of Tathra at the time of the latest Census consisted of 76.7% separate houses and 23.2% other housing types, including semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other housing types in Regional NSW. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Tathra was high at 52.2%, exceeding the Regional NSW average, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (20.2%) or renting (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,603, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $320, compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 61.2% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 16.5%, couples without children at 35.9%, and single parents at 8.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.8%, with single-person households representing 36.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median size of local households is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in the suburb of Tathra is higher than regional averages, with 31.4% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 21.5% in the surrounding SA3 region. This educational profile provides a strong foundation for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are held by 21.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (24.6%).

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Analysis of transit options indicates there are 27 active public transport stops in the suburb of Tathra, which are serviced by buses. These stops are utilized by 7 separate routes that provide a combined total of 120 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 157 meters. Because the area is mostly residential, many residents travel outside the suburb for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 91%, followed by walking at 8%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.3, which is lower than the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 13.5% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of pandemic conditions.

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An analysis of health indicators in the suburb of Tathra reveals favorable outcomes based on mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with both younger and older demographics showing low rates of common health issues. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 49% of the population, representing about 740 people, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 51.9% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Tathra exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average benchmarks, with 87.9% of residents born in Australia, 94.0% holding citizenship, and 95.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.2% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.5% of residents, compared to 0.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age in the suburb of Tathra is 56 years, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and the national median of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket represents 20.4% of the population, which is higher than the regional average and well above the national rate of 9.4%, while the 5 - 14 demographic is lower at 7.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 10.0% to 11.9%, and the 0 to 4 group has risen from 2.7% to 4.4%, while the 55 to 64 bracket has decreased from 19.6% to . Looking toward population projections indicate notable demographic shifts, with the to age group expected to experience the highest growth of , adding residents to reach . Overall demographic aging is projected to continue, with residents aged and older accounting for of all projected population growth, while declines are anticipated in the to and to demographics.

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Tathra currently has an estimated 66 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 50 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 61% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 72 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 147. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.0 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.