Statistical Information
Population
The population of the Central Coast at the time of the 2006 Census was 297,959. Of this, 143,943 were males and 154,016 were females.
Over the past twenty years the population growth rate has slowed to just under 1% per annum compared with growth rates of around 4% per annum between 1986-1991.
Gosford LGA
Over the past five years population growth in the Gosford LGA has increased by 2.3% from 154,654 in 2001 to 158,158 in 2006.
The fastest growing suburbs include Bensville, Empire Bay, Davistown and Lisarow.
Wyong LGA
Over the past five years population growth in the Wyong LGA has increased by 6.8% from 130,854 in 2001 to 139,801 in 2006.
The fastest growing suburbs include Blue Haven, Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba and Woongarrah.
| Census Year | Population | Growth Rate |
| 1986 | 191,646 | - |
| 1991 | 229,424 | 19.7% |
| 1996 | 260,839 | 13.7% |
| 2001 | 285,508 | 9.5% |
| 2006 | 297,956 |
4.3% |
Source: ABS Census 1986-2006
According to the NSW Department of Planning's Draft Central Coast Regional Strategy the Department proposes that 78% of new homes will be located within centres and existing urban areas while 22% will be in new estates.
Industry Structure
The Central Coast economy comprises a large number of small and medium sized businesses and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there were 22,548 businesses operating on the Coast over the 2003 to 2007 period. Of these 47% had an annual turnover of less than $100,000 and of the remaining businesses 8,322 or 37% had an annual turnover of less than $500,000.
Industry Structure
| Number of employees |
Number of businesses |
| 100 + |
72 |
| 20 - 99 |
750 |
| 5 - 19 |
2,544 |
| 1 - 4 |
6,471 |
| Sole Traders [no employees] |
12,711 |
| Total Businesses |
22,548 |
