The Freshwater Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (NSW)
Liveability Score
5.8/10The Freshwater has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbs
Key Facts
- Median Age
- 38 years (state avg)
- Median Household Income
- $1,468/wk (state avg)
- Families with Children
- 28.7% of households
- Home Ownership
- 64.5% own — 31.5% rent
- Postcode
- 2466
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 21.5% of land (bushfire)
Demographics Analysis
The Freshwater in New South Wales reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in New South Wales has a median weekly income of around $1,468, with a median age of 38 years.
The ABS reports that 28.7% of households in New South Wales are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 24.5% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.
Home ownership rates in New South Wales show that 64.5% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 31.5% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating The Freshwater.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like The Freshwater. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your The Freshwater property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
The Freshwater (postcode 2466) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (21.5% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (12.3% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (4.7% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across The Freshwater — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Protect coastal ecosystems
Near-termRestore and protect coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and dunes to provide natural protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.
Est. cost: Medium
Implement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Raise awareness of climate risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Strengthen building codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure that new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore The Freshwater Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for The Freshwater:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of The Freshwater?
Population data for The Freshwater comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the New South Wales state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.
What is the median age in The Freshwater?
The median age for New South Wales is 38 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for The Freshwater. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.
What is the average household income in The Freshwater?
The median weekly household income in New South Wales is $1,468 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.
What type of people live in The Freshwater?
The demographic profile of The Freshwater is broadly shaped by its location within New South Wales. According to the ABS Census, 28.7% of households in the state are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. The overall population of New South Wales has a median age of 38 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of The Freshwater.
What share of The Freshwater is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 21.5% of The Freshwater in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.5% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is The Freshwater Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for The Freshwater, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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