Tuross Head (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates evaluated for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Tuross Head has a population estimated at 2,272 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 81 people (3.4%) from the 2,353 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated from an estimated resident population of 2,267, which Districts determined using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 27 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 143 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential for future growth. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population gains, accounting for approximately 56% of all positive population movements in recent times.

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The workforce in Tuross Head is highly skilled and features a strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 3.1% according to aggregated statistical data from Districts. In March 2026, there were 836 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.0% below the 4.1% recorded across Regional NSW, while workforce participation is notably low at 40.6% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a moderate 14.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Taxpayer statistics for the suburb of Tuross Head show a median income of $38,946 and an average income of $49,949, based on aggregated postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023. These figures are below national benchmarks and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $42,965 for the median and $55,104 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all ranked between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. The dominant income band is the $400 - 799 range, which accounts for 30.9% of residents (702 people), whereas the wider regional area is dominated by the - bracket at . Local housing costs are modest, leaving residents with of their income, though total disposable income ranks at the th percentile nationwide.

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According to the latest Census, residential properties in Tuross Head consisted of 95.8% standalone houses and 4.2% alternative structures like apartments or semi-detached dwellings, compared to Regional NSW where houses make up 82.6% and other structures account for 17.4%. Outright home ownership is high at 61.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 22.0% and rental homes accounting for 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,430, which is below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $330, matching the regional average. These housing costs are lower than the national median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the national weekly rent of $375.

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Families make up 63.9% of local households, consisting of couples without children at 46.1%, couples with children at 12.0%, and single-parent households at 6.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 36.1% of households, with lone person households representing 33.2% and group homes comprising 2.3%. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels in Tuross Head are below regional averages, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 32.2% across NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational training is common, with 41.6% of the population aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 29.5%.

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Public transport services in Tuross Head include 51 active bus stops. These stops accommodate 7 separate routes that provide 63 weekly passenger trips. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 146 meters from the nearest stop. The community is mainly residential, with most workers commuting out of the area, and private vehicles represent the main transit mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 cars per household, below the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 14.8% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health indicators for the local population are generally positive, with mortality rates and illness prevalence tracking close to national averages across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is low at approximately 47% of the population (~1,062 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in Tuross Head is lower than average, with 83.9% of residents born in Australia, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 97.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, accounting for 54.3% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 62 years in Tuross Head is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and the national median of 38 years. The suburb features a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 at 28.3%, well above the national average of 9.4%, while children aged 5 - 14 make up a smaller share at 4.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 13.7% to 15.8%, and the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 5.7% to 7.8%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group declined from 21.0% to , and the to cohort fell from to . Demographic projections to indicate that the population will continue to age, with the to bracket expected to grow by people () from to . Combined cohorts aged and older will drive of total population growth, while the count of residents in both the to and to age brackets will decrease.

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Tuross Head currently has an estimated 81 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 59 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 45% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 93 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 149. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.