Bathurst - East

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

Bathurst - East's population is approximately 13,479 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,330. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 (population of 13,334) and the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer. Bathurst - East's population grew by 9.3% since the 2021 census, surpassing both SA4 region's growth rate of 3.2% and the SA3 area. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 59.9% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where necessary, with growth rates by age group applied from 2032 to 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Bathurst - East is forecasted to grow by 6,008 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 43.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bathurst - East among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Bathurst - East recorded approximately 107 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 537 homes. As of FY26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built attracted 2.5 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes was $221,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, $22.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bathurst - East records 97.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (86.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (14.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

Bathurst - East reflects a transitioning market, with approximately 308 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 5,863 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bathurst - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions' 123-Lot Subdivision. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Bathurst - East exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bathurst East has an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of September 2025, with 7,192 residents employed. This is 1.4% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Bathurst East is 70.1%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 11.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Manufacturing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.4%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9% alongside a 3.6% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.0% over ten years for Bathurst East, based on its industry mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

In financial year 2023, Bathurst - East SA2 had a median income of $55,479 and an average income of $65,243 among taxpayers. These figures are just below the national average, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,394 (median) and $71,024 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Bathurst - East's household, family, and personal incomes are around the national median. Income distribution shows that 36.1% of the population (4,865 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The latest Census data shows that in Bathurst - East, 93.7% of dwellings are houses with the remaining 6.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is higher than Non-Metro NSW's house proportion of 82.6%. Home ownership in Bathurst - East stands at 34.0%, lower than Non-Metro NSW's rate. The area has a median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,800, above the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Bathurst - East is $360, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Bathurst - East's mortgage repayments are lower ($1,800 vs $1,863) and rents are less ($360 vs $375).

Bathurst - East features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, including 34.2% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.3% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.6%, while certificates make up 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bathurst - East has 228 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 55 different routes that collectively facilitate 910 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing just 139 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.5% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 130 trips per day, equating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the area's centerpoint.

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

Bathurst - East faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is less prevalent at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,995 people), compared to the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.4%) and mental health issues (9.2%). A higher percentage of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments (64.2%) than in Rest of NSW (63.3%). Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,234 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Bathurst-East, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 91.1% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 64.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Ancestry showed Australian (32.8%), English (30.9%), and Irish (9.4%) as top groups.

Notable differences included higher percentages of Australian Aboriginal (5.7% vs regional 4.6%), Lebanese (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Sri Lankan (0.2% vs 0.1%).

Bathurst - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Bathurst-East is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group represents 14.3% of the population in Bathurst-East, compared to a higher prevalence in Rest of NSW. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.1% to 13.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.1% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bathurst-East, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 57%, reaching 2,794 people from a current total of 1,776.