Bathurst - West

Population growth drivers in Bathurst - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bathurst - West's population is around 15,018 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 705 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,313 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,818 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 263 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 183 persons per square kilometer. Bathurst - West's growth rate of 4.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA4 region (2.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 72.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future trends, Bathurst - West is forecasted to increase its population significantly within the top quartile of national regional areas. By 2041, based on latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to increase by 3,744 persons, reflecting a total increase of 23.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bathurst - West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Bathurst West has received approximately 32 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 161 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been 27 recorded approvals. Each built dwelling has attracted an average of 5 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a substantial demand-supply gap that drives buyer competition and price pressures. The average construction cost for new homes is $303,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $320,000, suggesting limited commercial development activity in the area. Compared to other NSW regions, Bathurst West has roughly half the building activity per capita and ranks at the 27th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing homes. This low level of new building activity is reflective of the area's established nature and potential planning constraints. The dwelling approvals have led to an estimated 614 people moving into the area annually.

By 2041, Bathurst West is projected to add 3,543 residents, potentially outpacing housing supply if current construction levels persist, which could exacerbate buyer competition and price growth.

Bathurst - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of eighteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Windradyne 1100 Subdivision, Charles Sturt University Campus Master Plan, and 56 Colville Street Residential Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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 conditions in Bathurst - West demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Bathurst-West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in September 2025.

This rate is 1.7% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Bathurst-West is high at 64.9%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Labour force decreased by 3.2% over a 12-month period ending September 2025, alongside a 3.9% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bathurst-West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bathurst - West SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $58,145 and an average income of $70,126. These figures are higher than national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,477 (median) and $78,969 (average), based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Bathurst - West's household, family, and personal incomes rank at the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.6% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with this range also being prevalent in the broader area (29.9%). After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Bathurst - West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bathurst - West stood at 35.2%, mirroring Non-Metro NSW's rate, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.6% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure for Bathurst - West was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Bathurst - West's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 73.8% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Bathurst show that 23.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the New South Wales (NSW) average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational credentials are held by 40.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 30.0%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 210 active transport stops operating within Bathurst-West, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 53 individual routes, collectively facilitating 985 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 140 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bathurst-West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 8,169 people.

This compares to a rate of 51.4% across the rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.4 and 9.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across the rest of NSW. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 2,541 people, a figure lower than the 19.4% in the rest of NSW.

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

Bathurst-West has a cultural diversity below average, with 90.6% born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 61.8%, similar to Rest of NSW's 61.6%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (31.5%), English (30.1%), and Irish (10.6%) are top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 4.7% compared to regional 4.6%, Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Maltese at 0.5% against regional 0.4%.

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

The median age in Bathurst-West is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 13.6%, while those aged 75-84 are smaller in number at 5.3%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 12.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bathurst-West's age structure. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,291 people (66%) from 1,964 to 3,256. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are expected to decrease in number.