Bega-Eden Hinterland

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland's population was approximately 9,900 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 343 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,557. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 9,826 residents in June 2024 and 290 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Bega-Eden Hinterland's growth rate of 3.6% since the Census exceeded the SA3 area average of 2.6%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.4% to overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 488 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 115 people anticipated.

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland has received approximately 44 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 224 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built in this period has attracted an average of 2.6 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $274,000, which is below regional norms and offers more affordable housing options.

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 shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 51st percentile nationally. New developments consist of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 317 people per approval, Bega-Eden Hinterland reflects a low-density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which could benefit potential buyers.

Bega-Eden Hinterland has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal (2019), Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade (scheduled for completion in 2022), Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project (commenced in 2020), and Wolumla Structure Plan (approved in 2021). The following list details projects of most relevance.

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The employment landscape in Bega-Eden Hinterland presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.4%, 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 3.4% as of September 2025. There are 4,656 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.4% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at 54.4%, slightly below the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.8 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (14.5%), and construction. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.2% alongside a 5.3% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.4%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise to 4.2%.

State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 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 employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bega-Eden Hinterland SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,059 and an average of $53,084. These figures are lower than the national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025 (12.61%), estimated current incomes are approximately $48,489 median and $59,778 average for Bega-Eden Hinterland. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in this area fall between the 12th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 28.1% of locals (2,781 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.6% income retention, 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

In Bega-Eden Hinterland, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bega-Eden Hinterland stood at 56.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in the area was $265, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Bega-Eden Hinterland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 compared to Australia's 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 constitute 71.4 percent of all households, including 24.6 percent couples with children, 37.5 percent couples without children, and 8.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.6 percent, with lone person households at 26.1 percent and group households comprising 2.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 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.

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 has found that there are currently 630 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The region is served by 56 individual routes which collectively provide 755 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 365 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 107 trips per day across all routes, 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

Bega-Eden Hinterland faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% (around 4,623 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Meanwhile, 63.2% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 59.6%. As of 2021, 25.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,566 people), lower than the Rest of NSW's 31.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bega-Eden Hinterland are notably strong, outperforming general population 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's cultural diversity is below average, with 90.3% citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates the region, comprising 43.3%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (31.6%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Dutch (1.7% vs regional 1.4%), Scottish (8.9% vs 8.6%), and German (4.1% vs 3.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented.

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

Bega-Eden Hinterland has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 years shows strong representation at 18.5% in Bega-Eden Hinterland compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national figure of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.0% of the population in Bega-Eden Hinterland. Conversely, 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%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Bega-Eden Hinterland's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 98 people (77%) from 127 to 226. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 53% 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.