Bega-Eden Hinterland
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bega-Eden Hinterland reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bega-Eden Hinterland's population is around 9,851 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 294 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,557 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,825 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Bega-Eden Hinterland's growth of 3.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 2.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 51.4% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to shrink by 488 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, projected to grow by 115 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bega-Eden Hinterland when compared nationally

Bega-Eden Hinterland has received approximately 55 dwelling approvals per year on average. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 279 approvals from FY-20 to FY-25 and an additional 9 in FY-26. Each dwelling has resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $519,000.

In terms of commercial activity, $18.6 million in approvals have been registered during FY-26. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bega-Eden Hinterland shows 19.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (93.0%), with a smaller proportion being medium and high-density housing (7.0%), reflecting the area's traditional low density character and focus on family homes.

With approximately 317 people per approval, Bega-Eden Hinterland is considered a low-density area. Given the expected stability or decline in population, there may be reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Bega-Eden Hinterland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 34 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal (2016), Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade (scheduled for completion in late 2022), Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project (commenced in June 2021), and Wolumla Structure Plan (approved on 9th March 2020). The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, Bega-Eden Hinterland has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Bega-Eden Hinterland has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of June 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, while workforce participation is lower at 54.4%.

Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 14.5% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Labour force levels decreased by 3.6% over the year to June 2025, accompanied by a 4.7% decrease in employment, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National unemployment is forecast to be 4.5%, with national employment growth projected at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Bega-Eden Hinterland's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended 30 June 2022 shows median income in Bega-Eden Hinterland at $43,059 and average income at $53,084. This is below national averages of $51,769 (median) and $66,832 (average). Comparing with Rest of NSW, median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998. Considering a 10.6% increase in wages since financial year ended 30 June 2022, estimated incomes by March 2025 would be approximately $47,623 (median) and $58,711 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Bega-Eden Hinterland fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 28.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, aligning with regional levels at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.6% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 21st percentile nationally.

Bega-Eden Hinterland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census revealed that in Bega-Eden Hinterland, 97.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bega-Eden Hinterland was higher at 56.4%, with the rest mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517 and Australia's national figure of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Bega-Eden Hinterland was $265, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $320 and Australia's national figure of $375.

Bega-Eden Hinterland has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.4% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 37.5% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 28.6%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Bega-Eden Hinterland fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 21.9%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. A network of 8 schools operates within Bega-Eden Hinterland, educating approximately 411 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 953) with balanced educational opportunities. The 8 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (4.2 places per 100 residents vs 12.7 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 630 active transport stops operating within Bega-Eden Hinterland comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 56 individual routes, collectively providing 755 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 365 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bega-Eden Hinterland is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bega-Eden Hinterland faces significant health challenges with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (around 4,600 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Notably, 63.2% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 59.6%. As of 2021, approximately 25.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,553 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 31.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bega-Eden Hinterland are strong, outperforming the general population in relevant metrics.

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland showed lower cultural diversity, with 90.3% citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.3%. Judaism's representation was slightly higher than the regional average, at 0.1% compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (31.6%), and Irish (10.2%). Notable differences existed in Dutch (1.7% vs regional 1.4%), Scottish (8.9% vs 8.6%), and German (4.1% vs 3.6%) representation.

Bega-Eden Hinterland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bega-Eden Hinterland is 50, which exceeds the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and is higher than the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 18.5% compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is higher than the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.5% to 7.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 18.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.2% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bega-Eden Hinterland's age profile. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 98 (78%) from 127 to 226. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 5-14 and 15-24.