Batemans Bay

Population growth drivers in Batemans Bay are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Batemans Bay's population is around 9,061 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 480 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,581 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,653 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 142 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Batemans Bay's 5.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,654 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 13.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Batemans Bay recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Batemans Bay has experienced around 44 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 224 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 28 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to 0.1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average value of $294,000. Additionally, $85.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Batemans Bay has similar development levels (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Recent construction comprises 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 337 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Batemans Bay will gain 1,246 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Batemans Bay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Batemans Bay Community Health Facility, 24 Beach Road Residential Development, Batemans Bay Dredging, and The Sebel Hotel, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Batemans Bay faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Batemans Bay features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of 5.9%. As of December 2025, 3,274 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (47.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in retail trade, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.6% versus the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.5% combined with employment decreasing by 3.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Batemans Bay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Batemans Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Batemans Bay SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Batemans Bay SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,434 and the average income stands at $53,438, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,282 (median) and $58,173 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Batemans Bay all fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 30.1% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (2,727 residents), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Batemans Bay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 75.6% houses and 24.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Batemans Bay was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 44.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,519, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Batemans Bay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Batemans Bay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.4% of all households, comprising 18.0% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Batemans Bay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.9%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (32.2%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 180 active transport stops operating within Batemans Bay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 606 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 86 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Batemans Bay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Batemans Bay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,222 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.5% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 58.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,669 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Batemans Bay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population born in Australia, 89.7% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Batemans Bay is Christianity, which makes up 54.7% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Batemans Bay are English, comprising 32.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Batemans Bay (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Polish at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Batemans Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Batemans Bay notably exceeds the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 16.1% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.3% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Batemans Bay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 206 people (21%) from 967 to 1,174. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 26.