Region (SA4) · Area profile
Mid North Coast
18,851 km²
A far older population than the national average defines the Mid North Coast, where the typical resident is 50. This region is a haven for retirees and homeowners, with a much higher proportion of people owning their homes outright compared to the rest of Australia. While the population grew by 14% since 2011, the area remains distinctive for its low cultural diversity and high number of seniors. It is a place where many residents enjoy a slower pace of life in detached houses.
Mid North Coast is well supplied with schools for its relatively small share of children.
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The area is far older than the rest of the state, with 30% of people aged 65 and over. This senior population is among the highest for its level, and the number of children under 15 has fallen since 2011 to 15.6%.
Most residents were born in Australia, with only 10.5% born overseas—a figure far below the national average. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, accounting for 43.9% and 42.0% respectively.
English is the primary language for 90% of the community, and the rate of people using another language at home is among the lowest in the country at just 3.5%.
Over half the population identifies as Christian, though the number of people reporting no religion rose significantly by 20 points since 2011 to reach 38%.
Educational attainment is much lower than the national figure, with only 13.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and 37.7% completing Year 12.
Typical incomes are well below the state and national figures, with the usual household earning $1,132 a week. Only 10.2% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is among the lowest for this level.
Long-term health conditions are far more common here than in the rest of the state, affecting 37.7% of people. This is consistent with the older population, as 8.8% of residents need help with daily activities.
Residents are more likely to volunteer and provide unpaid care than those in other similar areas. There is also a higher rate of former Defence Force members, at 4.0%.
First Nations people make up 7.5% of the population, which is well above the national average. However, this group faces challenges, with a Year 12 completion rate of 29.9% and an unemployment rate of 12.7%.
Homes here are smaller than usual, with 2.3 people per dwelling. A high number of people live alone (30.1%), and one-parent families are much more common than in most other areas.
Home ownership is very strong, with 45.5% of homes owned outright—far above the national figure. Most people live in separate houses, and the typical weekly rent of $330 is well below the state average.
Cars are the main way to get around, with 64.8% of people driving to work. Very few people use public transport to commute, at only 0.4%.
The region sees steady movement, with 38.3% of people having moved house in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are much less common here than in other parts of the state.
Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to the national average, and the unemployment rate of 5.8% is much higher than in most similar areas.
The population grew by 4.6% since 2021, which is slightly lower than the New South Wales average of 6.1%.
The region is much wetter than the state average, with annual rainfall of 1,856mm. Temperatures are generally a little lower than the state average.
Getting around without a car is difficult, as the walkability score is well below the state average. Only 44.8% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries.