ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Sawtell is a coastal suburb in New South Wales, Australia, with a population of approximately 3,788, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 428 km from the Sydney CBD, Sawtell is a coastal area in New South Wales. The median household income is $73,060 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household incomes in Sawtell sit in a comfortable mid-range for the New South Wales market. Seaside positioning attracts both owner-occupiers and holiday rental demand.
Map shows Sawtell, New South Wales, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Sawtell. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Sawtell on My School →Estimated 2 parks and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Sawtell, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in New South Wales consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $380/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,733/month.
A buy-and-hold approach in Sawtell could work well with careful property selection and a longer time horizon.
Rental yields in Sawtell are moderate — screen for properties that offer above-average returns.
The resale market in Sawtell may not support quick-turnaround renovation projects.
Run the numbers on a Sawtell property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Sawtell is expected to see moderate price growth in 2026 as the broader New South Wales market stabilises. The rental market in Sawtell should see steady occupancy, with moderate upward pressure on rents. Sawtell is not a headline market, but contrarian investors may see long-term potential.
Sawtell is a coastal area in New South Wales with a population of 3,788. The median rent is $380/week and the median household income is $73,060/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Sawtell include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 59% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 2 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Sawtell has a population of approximately 3,788. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Sawtell is approximately 428 km straight-line distance from the Sydney CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant — local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.