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 (3.1%) 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 3.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 2.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 51.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 488 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75-84 age group with an increase of 115 people.

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland has received approximately 44 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 224 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $519,000.

This financial year has seen $18.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of NSW. Bega-Eden Hinterland has 18.0% less new development per person than the state average and ranks at the 52nd percentile nationally for new development. Ninety-three percent of new developments consist of detached houses, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 7%.

This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. With approximately 317 people per approval, Bega-Eden Hinterland reflects a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less intense in this region, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Thirty-two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with local infrastructure changes being crucial factors in performance influence. Notable projects include South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal, Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project, and Wolumla Structure Plan. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Bega-Eden Hinterland presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 4.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Bega-Eden Hinterland has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of June 2025. There are 4,644 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 54.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, and employment fell by 4.7%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1% and labour force expand by 0.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows Bega-Eden Hinterland's median income among taxpayers is $43,059, with an average of $53,084. This is lower than the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bega-Eden Hinterland would be approximately $48,489 (median) and $59,778 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bega-Eden Hinterland fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 28.1% of locals (2,768 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.6% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 21st percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Bega-Eden Hinterland, as per the latest Census, was 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bega-Eden Hinterland was at 56.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in the area was $265, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Bega-Eden Hinterland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 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's university qualification rate is 21.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 25.6%, comprising 9.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Eight schools operate within Bega-Eden Hinterland, educating approximately 411 students with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 953) and balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity is limited locally at 4.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.7, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in the Bega-Eden Hinterland shows that there are currently 630 active transport stops operating. These include both train and bus services. The area is served by a total of 56 individual routes, which collectively provide 755 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located approximately 365 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to about 107 trips per day, equating to roughly one 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

The health data indicates significant challenges for Bega-Eden Hinterland, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% (~4,600 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (9.0%). However, 63.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 59.6%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9% (2,553 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 31.7%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Bega-Eden Hinterland are stronger than those of the general population.

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, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens (90.3%), born in Australia (88.0%), and speaking English at home (97.7%). Christianity was the major religion, with 43.3% of people adhering to it.

While Judaism's representation was similar to Rest of NSW at 0.1%, notable overrepresentation occurred among Dutch (1.7%), Scottish (8.9%), and German (4.1%) ancestry groups compared to regional averages.

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of NSW at 43 and above the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 18.5% of the population in Bega-Eden Hinterland, compared to 12.7% in Rest of NSW and 11.2% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown 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 dropped from 13.2% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects that the 85+ age cohort will increase by 98 people (78%), from 127 to 226. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.