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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bathurst - East's population is around 13,479 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,149 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,330 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,334 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 295 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bathurst - East's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 59.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth 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. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 6,008 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 43.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bathurst - East has recorded around 107 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 537 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $221,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $22.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Bathurst - East records 97.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 308 people per approval, Bathurst - East reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Bathurst - East is expected to grow by 5,863 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions 123-Lot Subdivision, 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.

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

Bathurst - East features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 7,154 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (69.9% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3% alongside a 3.1% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bathurst - East. 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 Bathurst - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% 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 levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bathurst - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,479 with the average level standing at $65,243. This is just below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,394 (median) and $71,024 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Bathurst - East cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 36.1% of the population (4,865 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bathurst - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% 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 Bathurst - East lagged that of Regional NSW, at 34.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.5%) or rented (25.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Bathurst - East's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.9% of all households, comprising 34.2% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 228 active transport stops operating within Bathurst - East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 55 individual routes, collectively providing 910 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 130 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 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,995 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.4 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 64.2% 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 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,234 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bathurst - East is Christianity, which makes up 64.4% of people in Bathurst - East, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bathurst - East are Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, English, comprising 30.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.7% of Bathurst - East (vs 4.6% regionally), Lebanese at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

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

The 36-year median age in Bathurst - East is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 14.3% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.1% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Bathurst - East. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 57% (1,017 people), reaching 2,794 from 1,776.