Bangalow

Bangalow lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bangalow's population is approximately 7,431 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 473 people, representing a growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,958. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,383 as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Bangalow's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.3%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 45.9% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Bangalow expected to expand by 1,725 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 22.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bangalow among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Bangalow has recorded approximately 45 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 225 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 3.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply and likely heightened buyer competition leading to pricing pressures.

Developers target the premium market segment as new properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $551,000. This financial year has seen $7.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Bangalow's development activity is slightly higher than the Rest of NSW regional average over the past five years, providing good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (92%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (8%), preserving Bangalow's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 287 people per approval, Bangalow reflects a transitioning market. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,677 residents by 2041, which should be comfortably met by current development rates, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Bangalow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, M1 Pacific Motorway: Byron Bay interchange capacity upgrade, Kennedys Lane Road Grading, and Solus Industrial Byron Bay. Relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Bangalow exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bangalow has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate in Bangalow is 2.5%.

As of September 2025, there are 3896 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 60.6%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries among Bangalow residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical services with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with only 3.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Bangalow's labour force decreased by 2.2%, with employment declining by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment contraction, a 0.1% labour force decrease, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment during the same period. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bangalow's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that income in Bangalow SA2 is high nationally, with a median of $43,847 and an average of $83,241. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $49,376 (median) and $93,738 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bangalow cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 per week (2,318 individuals), similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. Bangalow demonstrates affluence with 31.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 73rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bangalow is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Bangalow, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bangalow stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.5% and rented ones at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,330, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Bangalow was $550, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Bangalow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,330 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bangalow features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 75.1% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Bangalow demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Bangalow is notably high. As of the latest data, 40.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 28.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 33.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.8% and certificates for 19.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis indicates 234 active transport stops in operation within Bangalow, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 53 individual routes, collectively providing 623 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bangalow's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Bangalow has excellent health outcomes, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (4,555 people), compared to 52.3% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively.

A total of 75.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW. Bangalow has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.6% (1,232 people), compared to 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Bangalow ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bangalow was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 82.1% of its population being citizens, 78.0% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Bangalow, comprising 29.3% of people. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.8% compared to 0.6% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (11.7%). Notably, French (1.2%) and Scottish (9.5%) were overrepresented, while Welsh (0.7%) was slightly above regional averages.

Bangalow's median age exceeds the national pattern

Bangalow's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are particularly prominent at 16.2%, while the 75-84 age group is smaller at 4.3% compared to Rest of NSW. Since 2021, the proportion of 35-44 year-olds has increased from 14.2% to 16.2%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 15.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bangalow. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 425 residents to reach 1,565. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group grows by a modest 1% (9 people).