Bega - Tathra

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bega - Tathra's population is around 9,239 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 367 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,872 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,009 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 233 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 50 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bega - Tathra's 4.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 747 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bega - Tathra when compared nationally

Bega - Tathra has experienced around 56 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 284 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 32 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $376,000. Additionally, $32.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Bega - Tathra records somewhat elevated construction (10.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New building activity shows 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 88.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 197 people per dwelling approval, Bega - Tathra shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections show Bega - Tathra adding 517 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bega - Tathra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal, Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project, and Wolumla Structure Plan, 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.

The employment landscape in Bega - Tathra presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Bega - Tathra possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 4,088 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 2.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.3% while employment declined by 3.8%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.4 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 Bega - Tathra. 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 Bega - Tathra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bega - Tathra SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,000 with the average level standing at $54,342. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,987 (median) and $59,157 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bega - Tathra all fall between the 18th and 29th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.0% of the community (2,679 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.3% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Bega - Tathra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.1% 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 Bega - Tathra was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 43.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Bega - Tathra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bega - Tathra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.9% of all households, comprising 22.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Bega - Tathra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Bega - Tathra trail regional benchmarks, with 23.7% 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 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% 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 211 active transport stops operating within Bega - Tathra, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 627 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Bega - Tathra, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,323 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1% and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,406 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Bega - Tathra was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bega - Tathra is Christianity, which makes up 46.7% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bega - Tathra are Australian, comprising 32.7% of the population, English, comprising 31.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of Bega - Tathra (vs 3.1% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% (vs 4.6%) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.0%).

Bega - Tathra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 46, Bega - Tathra is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 14.1% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.9% to 5.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.9% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 13.5%. By 2041, Bega - Tathra is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 35% (286 people), reaching 1,110 from 823. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 54% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts.