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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bathurst Surrounds's population is around 7,110 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 201 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,909 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,043 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bathurst Surrounds's 2.9% growth since the census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate 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 population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 849 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 29 new homes approved annually, with 147 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.5 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections. New homes are being built at an average value of $440,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Bathurst Surrounds has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 352 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Future projections show Bathurst Surrounds adding 782 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 40 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Gateway Bathurst, Pretty Heights Estate, Gilmour Street Seniors Living Development, and MIR Group Residential 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 conditions in Bathurst Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Bathurst Surrounds has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. As of December 2025, 4,005 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (69.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.7% versus the regional average of 16.9%. 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4% while employment declined by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Bathurst Surrounds SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $55,648 while the average income stands at $65,563. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,578 (median) and $71,372 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bathurst Surrounds cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.1% of residents (2,211 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

Dwelling structure within Bathurst Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.6% houses and 0.4% 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 Bathurst Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (9.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,863, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $273, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Bathurst Surrounds's mortgage repayments are similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.5% of all households, comprising 33.6% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Educational qualifications in Bathurst Surrounds trail regional benchmarks, with 23.5% of residents aged 15+ holding 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 (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (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

Public transport analysis reveals 485 active transport stops operating within Bathurst Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 55 individual routes, collectively providing 527 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 627 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Bathurst Surrounds's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bathurst Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,690 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,585 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.2% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bathurst Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 64.3% 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 Bathurst Surrounds are Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, English, comprising 31.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Bathurst Surrounds (vs 0.4% regionally), Scottish at 8.5% (vs 8.0%) and French at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

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

At 47 years, Bathurst Surrounds's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.6%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.5%) than in Regional NSW. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 12.8%. By 2041, Bathurst Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 17% (160 people), reaching 1,128 from 967. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 0%, adding only 1 resident.