Tea Gardens (NSW)

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Following an examination of ABS demographic data updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Tea Gardens has an estimated population of 3,357 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 69 people (2.1%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,288 residents. The variation is derived from a resident count of 3,356, estimated by Districts analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale translates to a density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer, indicating a setting with considerable space per individual. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Tea Gardens has shown stable expansion patterns with a 1.7% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 region. Population growth in the locality was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 78.0% of the overall population gains during recent times.

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Tea Gardens has a balanced labor force spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and 2.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026844 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (27.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Tea Gardens is below the national average, with the median assessed at $43,502 while the average income stands at $52,908. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,991 (median) and $58,368 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Tea Gardens all fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 33.7% of residents (1,131 people), differing from patterns across the region where - dominates with . While housing costs are modest with of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the th percentile nationally.

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Dwelling structure within Tea Gardens, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 8.9% 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 Tea Gardens was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 66.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (15.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,420, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Tea Gardens's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the main household type at 70.6% of the total, consisting of 8.8% couples with children, 56.3% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.4%, with single person households representing 27.3% and group homes forming 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 individuals is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The local community experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (16.3%) notably below the NSW average of 32.2%. This constitutes both an obstacle and a chance for directed educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the primary qualification at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Practical and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (30.7%).

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Analysis of public transit options shows 20 active transport stops running in Tea Gardens, containing a combination of buses. These transit points are served by 18 distinct routes, which combine to offer 129 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as good, with residents generally positioned 280 meters from the nearest stop. Being an predominantly residential locality, the majority of residents commute outward - private vehicle remains the primary method at 91%, with 6% using pedestrian travel. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per home, below the regional benchmark. Approximately 19.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

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Health measures indicate lower outcomes in Tea Gardens, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease levels, with common medical issues somewhat widespread in both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage registering at a very low level of approximately 48% of the total population (~1,608 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Tea Gardens was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.1% of its population born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tea Gardens was found to be Christianity, which makes up 71.7% of people in Tea Gardens. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 69, Tea Gardens is notably exceeding the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is substantially exceeding Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW, Tea Gardens has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (26.2%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.8%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 23.5% to 26.2% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 31.4% to 29.1% and the 55 to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Tea Gardens's age profile will evolve significantly by . Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Senior residents (+) will drive of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Tea Gardens currently has an estimated 50 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 42 children aged 0-2 and 28 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 26% by 2041 (to approximately 63 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 124. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 4.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.