Bathurst Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 7,108, reflecting a 199-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.9% rise from the previous figure of 6,909 people. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 7,043, with an additional 53 validated new addresses contributing to this change. This results in a population density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Bathurst Surrounds' growth since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA4 region at 2.9% versus 2.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.2% to overall population gains, with overseas and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are applied. Growth rates by age group are projected for all areas between 2032 and 2041. Based on current demographic trends, Bathurst Surrounds is expected to increase by approximately 849 persons by 2041, marking an 11.0% total gain 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. In the current financial year, FY-26, 9 homes have been approved so far.

On average, over these five years, about 0.5 new residents per year arrived for each new home approved, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth while providing greater buyer choice. The average construction cost value of these new homes was approximately $697,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have been around $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development.

When compared to the Rest of NSW, Bathurst Surrounds has similar levels of development per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. All new construction in the area has consisted of detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is around 352 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections indicate Bathurst Surrounds adding approximately 784 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 that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include The Gateway Bathurst, Windy 1100 Subdivision Windradyne, Pretty Heights Estate, and Gilmour Street Seniors Living Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Bathurst Surrounds has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.1% as of June 2025. There are 4,013 residents in work, with the unemployment rate being 2.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is 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. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.7% compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment declined by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bathurst Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

Income data from AreaSearch for Bathurst Surrounds in financial year 2022 shows median income at $53,222 and average income at $64,268. These figures are comparable to national averages. In contrast, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Bathurst Surrounds as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,933 (median) and $72,372 (average). According to the 2021 Census, income distribution in Bathurst Surrounds places it at the 54th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket is dominant, with 31.1% of residents (2,210 people). This aligns with broader metropolitan trends, where 29.9% fall into the same category. After accounting for 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bathurst Surrounds stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 9.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bathurst Surrounds was $273, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Bathurst Surrounds' mortgage repayments aligned with the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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 comprise the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households making up 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5 people.

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 and above hold university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 44.6% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 33.3%. Educational participation is high in Bathurst Surrounds; 30.3% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education. There are seven schools operating within Bathurst Surrounds educating approximately 239 students as of the latest data (year not specified). These schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas. School capacity is limited locally with 3.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.8, indicating many families travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 503 active public transport stops in Bathurst Surrounds, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 57 individual routes, offering a total of 538 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents located an average of 658 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 76 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per 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's 47%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across Rest of NSW. 22.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,561 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 index below average, with 89.2% of its population being Australian 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 (0.8%) and Scottish (8.5%) were overrepresented in Bathurst Surrounds compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 7.8%, respectively. French ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.5%.

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

Bathurst Surrounds has a median age of 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 individuals aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 17.1% of the population, compared to the national average of 11.2%. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 make up only 8.3%, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW figure. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 75-84 has grown from 5.7% to 6.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.1%. By 2041, Bathurst Surrounds is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 176 people to reach a total of 1,128 from the current figure of 951. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is expected to decline by 23 people.