Imagine the Central Coast population as 100 people: find out who they are and how they live

There are more than 350,000 residents living on the Coast, but its’ tricky to picture so many people! So instead, let’s imagine the entire Central Coast is a community where 100 people live.

If we focus on 100 people, it’s easier to see the things we have in common, and the things that make us make unique.

Find out what our community of 100 people living on the Central Coast looks like.

Download the Central Coast Population as 100 people infographic (PDF 441.85 KB).

Demographics, economy and future projections

The Central Coast is located on the coast of New South Wales, 60 to 90 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD, and about 80 kilometres south of the Newcastle CBD.

Our easy-to-use online tools provide an insight into the current and future demographics of the local government area, our planning areas, suburbs and “communities of interest” profiles. This data will help you understand who makes up our community, how it has changed over time, how it compares to other areas and how our population will grow.

The tools are designed to assist investors, business, students, visitors, state and non-government agencies, community groups and Council staff. The information is of benefit for planning, service delivery, advocacy, grant funding and school projects.

Information is derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing and the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research.

Central Coast Social Profile 2024

The Central Coast Social Profile 2024 is a comprehensive snapshot of our region’s people, strengths, and challenges. As our community grows and evolves, with the population projected to exceed 400,000 by 2041, understanding the Central Coast's changing demographics, social trends, and economic conditions is vital for planning a vibrant future.

This report explores key areas that shape our region, including:

• Education: Trends in lifelong learning, from early childhood to post-school qualifications.
• Employment: Insights into local industries and workforce dynamics.
• Housing: Challenges in affordability and access to quality living.
• Health and Wellbeing: Factors impacting quality of life, from mental health to social connectivity.

With input from over 1,900 residents through the Central Coast Wellbeing Survey 2024, this report reflects the diverse voices of our community. Its findings will guide Council’s strategic planning, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and connected region for all.

Central Coast Community Profile: understand our local community

Provides information on socio-demographic characteristics including population, age structure, ethnicity, education, employment, income, housing, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) and communities of interest profiles.

Central Coast Economic Profile: build a strong local economy

Provides information on economic indicators for the Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA) including local jobs, local businesses, industry structure, workforce profile, unemployment rate and journey to work plus economic and event impact tools.

Central Coast Social Atlas: map community trends spatially

Displays key socio-demographic characteristics as interactive maps. Based on data from the 2016 Census, each map is prepared using Statistical Areas Level 1 (SA1s), to identify patterns and trends.

Central Coast Population Forecasts: plan for future demand

Provides population and household forecasts showing how our population will change between 2016 and 2036.