Tweed Heads South

NSW 2486 • Rest of NSW

7,941
Population (2021)
$50,752
Median Household Income
8.30 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
Retiree-HavenCoastalRiversidePeacefulAffordable

About Tweed Heads South

Tweed Heads South is a low-lying suburban locality within the Tweed Shire local government area, positioned at the southern edge of the Queensland–New South Wales border region, immediately south of Tweed Heads and a short drive from the Gold Coast. With a population of around 7,941 and a median age of 52, the suburb has a notably mature demographic profile, attracting retirees and lifestyle seekers who value the relaxed pace and coastal character of the Tweed area. Median household incomes reflect the retirement-focused nature of much of the community.

Residents enjoy convenient access to local shopping, medical services, and the broader amenities of both Tweed Heads and the Gold Coast just across the state border — offering a unique lifestyle that combines the quieter pace of regional NSW with proximity to a major urban centre. The suburb's low elevation and proximity to the Tweed River and surrounding waterways suit those who enjoy boating, fishing, and riverside recreation. Affordable housing, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to beaches, hinterland, and the Gold Coast continue to draw newcomers and retirees looking for a lifestyle change on the northern NSW coast.

Tweed Heads South falls under postcode 2486 and is governed by Tweed Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Tweed electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2486
Urban Area
Tweed Heads
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.20°, 153.54°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
8.30 km²
Elevation
2m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Tweed Heads South for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$1.09M
90 sales · ▲ 10.7% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$800K
100 sales · ▲ 13.5% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.7%

192 state housing + 70 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) - Coolangatta stop
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • Route 600, 601 — Gold Coast CBD (Surfers Paradise) / Tweed Heads 25-40 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
107 km
By Train
No direct train; bus to Robina or Varsity Lakes then Queensland Rail to Brisbane (approx 120-130 min total)
By Car (Peak)
90-110 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ NSW border suburb adjacent to Coolangatta QLD; Pacific Motorway (M1) nearby; close to Gold Coast Airport

Walkability Car-Dependent

Predominantly residential with most errands requiring a car; some walkable shops along Minjungbal Drive

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Tweed Local Government Area, which contains Tweed Heads South. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
182.4 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
202.4 / 100k
Non-DV assault
416.9 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
9 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
359.7 / 100k

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
7,615
Census 2021
7,941
4.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$24,752
Personal Income 2021
$29,172
17.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$29,172 / yr
$561/wk
Household
$50,752 / yr
$976/wk
Family
$71,968 / yr
$1384/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,909
Born Overseas 1,539

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 446
  • 2. New Zealand 257
  • 3. India 116
  • 4. Philippines 96
  • 5. Scotland 59
  • 6. China 46
  • 7. Germany 41
  • 8. Thailand 35
  • 9. South Africa 28
  • 10. Netherlands 27

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,427
Australian 2,841
Irish 923
Scottish 876
Australian Aboriginal 523
German 357
Italian 174
Dutch 117
Filipino 115
Chinese 109

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,756
Both parents born in Australia
1,767
Both parents born overseas
918
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.9%
No Religion
37.0%
Buddhism
1.1%
Sikhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.8%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
332 (4.2%)
5-14 years
751 (9.5%)
15-19 years
374 (4.7%)
20-24 years
376 (4.7%)
25-34 years
771 (9.7%)
35-44 years
765 (9.6%)
45-54 years
831 (10.5%)
55-64 years
1,037 (13.1%)
65-74 years
1,206 (15.2%)
75-84 years
978 (12.3%)
85+ years
514 (6.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tweed Heads South known for? +

Tweed Heads South is known as an affordable residential suburb on the NSW-Queensland border, offering easy access to both the Gold Coast and northern NSW coastal amenities. The suburb is popular with retirees and families seeking value near the coast.

How far is Tweed Heads South from the Gold Coast? +

Tweed Heads South is approximately 25-30 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, with the Queensland border just minutes away. Coolangatta and its beaches are within a short drive.

Does Tweed Heads South have public transport? +

Tweed Heads South is served by bus routes connecting to Tweed Heads, Coolangatta, and the broader Tweed Shire. Access to Gold Coast services is available by crossing the border, with the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta a short distance away.

What is the population of Tweed Heads South? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tweed Heads South has a population of approximately 7,941 residents within the Tweed Shire Council local government area.

Is Tweed Heads South a good place to live? +

Tweed Heads South offers a relaxed, affordable coastal lifestyle on the NSW-Queensland border. It suits retirees, families, and those wanting proximity to both NSW and Queensland amenities without the premium prices of the Gold Coast itself.

What is the postcode for Tweed Heads South? +

The postcode for Tweed Heads South is 2486.

What is the average income in Tweed Heads South? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Tweed Heads South is about $561 per week (around $29,200 per year). The median household income is $976 per week and the median family income is $1,384 per week.

What is the median house price in Tweed Heads South? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,090,000, up 10.7% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $800,000, up 13.5% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Tweed Heads South? +

The median age in Tweed Heads South is 52. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,206 residents, around 15%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 34% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Tweed Heads South a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tweed Heads South is part of the Tweed LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Tweed Heads South? +

In Tweed Heads South, the median weekly rent is $390, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).