Bargo

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bargo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bargo's population is around 6278 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 344 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5934 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6148 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 92 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bargo's 5.8% growth since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the state (6.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 83 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Bargo, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Bargo has received approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 131 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 5 recorded approvals. On average, 1.1 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this figure has increased to 5.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity in the area. The average construction cost of new properties is $369,000.

This year, there have been $8.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Bargo's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bargo has significantly less development activity, with 72.0% fewer approvals per person. The recent construction consists of 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low-density character. With an estimated population of 585 people per dwelling approval, Bargo maintains a quiet development environment.

Given the expected stable or declining population, pressure on housing is anticipated to remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Bargo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Tahmoor South Coal Project, Tahmoor Town Centre Revitalisation, Tahmoor Marketplace Expansion, and Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Bargo ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Bargo has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notable, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% and estimated employment growth of 5.2% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 3,511 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.0% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2%, while labour force also grew by 5.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.7%. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising to 4.2%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering May-25 to May-30 and May-35, suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bargo's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Bargo SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,574 and an average of $64,201 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is comparable to national averages but lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $59,204 and the average will be around $72,297, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. In Bargo, incomes ranked modestly between the 41st and 55th percentiles according to the 2021 Census figures. The income distribution shows that 31.8% of locals (1,996 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing costs consumed 16.8% of income, but disposable income remained at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Bargo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Bargo, as per the latest Census, 91.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metropolitan areas where 94.1% were houses and 5.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Bargo stood at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.3% and rented ones at 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,318. The median weekly rent in Bargo was $415, matching the Sydney metro figure. Nationally, Bargo's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Bargo features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 78.3% of all households, including 37.6% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, aligning with Greater Sydney's average.

Educational outcomes in Bargo fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 12.7%, significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 34.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bargo has 204 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 39 different routes, offering a total of 2,043 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 158 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 291 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bargo is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bargo faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area. This covers about 3,258 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.0% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Greater Sydney. As of 2016, 19.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,235 people), higher than the 16.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Bargo is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bargo had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 88.3% of its population born in Australia and 92.3% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 94.2%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bargo, making up 63.1%, which is similar to Greater Sydney's 63.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.7%), English (29.0%), and Irish (7.0%). Notably, Maltese, Hungarian, and Macedonian ethnicities had higher representations in Bargo compared to the regional averages: Maltese at 2.7% vs 2.3%, Hungarian at 0.5% vs 0.3%, and Macedonian at 0.4% vs 0.2%.

Bargo's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Bargo has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Bargo at 10.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.2% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.6% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bargo's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 177 people (139%), from 127 to 305. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.