Bathurst Surrounds

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

Bathurst Surrounds' population is approximately 7,100 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 191 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,909. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,043 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Bathurst Surrounds' growth rate of 2.8% since the census is comparable to its SA4 region's growth rate of 2.9%. The population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 60.2% of overall gains during recent periods.

Other factors such as overseas migration and interstate migration also played positive roles. 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 are utilized, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Bathurst Surrounds is expected to increase by approximately 849 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 11.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bathurst Surrounds according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bathurst Surrounds has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 147 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.5 new residents have arrived per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average value of new homes being built is around $440,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen approximately $1.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against the rest of NSW, Bathurst Surrounds has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

All new construction has been detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is around 352 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Bathurst Surrounds is projected to add approximately 792 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Bathurst Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include The Gateway Bathurst, Pretty Heights Estate, Gilmour Street Seniors Living Development, and MIR Group Residential Subdivision. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Bathurst Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Bathurst Surrounds has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.3% as of September 2025. It has 4,021 residents in work and its unemployment rate is 2.6% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 61.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.7% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

During the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.4% and employment declined by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 projections to Bathurst Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Bathurst Surrounds SA2 has a median income of $53,222 and an average income of $64,268. This is in line with national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bathurst Surrounds as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,933 (median) and $72,372 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Bathurst Surrounds cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 31.1% of residents (2,208 people) falling into this category, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Bathurst Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings. Non-Metro NSW had 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bathurst Surrounds was 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 9.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, above Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bathurst Surrounds was $273, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Bathurst Surrounds' mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $273 compared to the national figure of $375.

Bathurst Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.5% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Bathurst Surrounds shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational qualifications in Bathurst Surrounds trail regional benchmarks; 23.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently; 44.6% of residents aged 15+ hold vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 33.3%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Bathurst Surrounds shows 503 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 57 unique routes that collectively facilitate 538 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 658 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 76 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Bathurst Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~3,684 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.7% of residents) and asthma (8.5%). 67.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across Rest of NSW. 22.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,559 people), higher than the 19.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Bathurst Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bathurst Surrounds had a cultural diversity level below average, with 89.2% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bathurst Surrounds, comprising 64.3%, compared to 61.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.8%), English (31.7%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Maltese, Scottish, and French ethnicities had higher representations in Bathurst Surrounds than regionally, at 0.8%, 8.5%, and 0.5% respectively.

Bathurst Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bathurst Surrounds' median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 17.1%, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 8.3% compared to the Rest of NSW average. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 6.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.1%. By 2041, Bathurst Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 19 people, reaching 1,128 from 949. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age cohort is projected to decline by 21 people.