Bega - Tathra

Bega - Tathra has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

According to AreaSearch's findings, the population of Bega - Tathra stands at approximately 9,079 as of May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 207 individuals, or 2.3%, compared to the 2021 Census count of 8,872 people. The adjustment is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 9,070 recorded in June 2025, plus 242 newly validated addresses added after the Census date. With a population density of 49 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers considerable space for each resident. The 2.3% growth since the census places Bega - Tathra within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 region, which grew by 2.6%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Recent population gains have been largely fueled by interstate migration, accounting for roughly 61.4% of the increase.

AreaSearch relies on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where such data is unavailable, the organization applies NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Age group growth rates from these models are also applied to all areas for the period 2032 to 2041. Based on anticipated demographic changes, a population rise slightly below the national regional median is projected, with the area expected to grow by 701 people to reach a total of 2041 by 2041, an increase of 7.6% over the 16 years, according to the latest annual ERP population figures.

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

Bega - Tathra has recorded approximately 56 new home approvals annually, totaling 284 approvals across the five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 50 approvals registered so far in FY-26. During the same five-year period, only 0.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling constructed, indicating that construction rates are meeting or surpassing population demand. This surplus of supply provides buyers with greater selection and supports population expansion that may surpass present projections, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $376,000.

Additionally, commercial approvals valued at $32.6 million have been registered in the current financial year, reflecting strong local commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Bega - Tathra exhibits slightly higher development intensity, standing 11.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year span, which helps preserve buyer options without pressuring existing property values. The new housing inventory comprises 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% townhouses or apartments, a configuration that emphasizes compact living and appeals to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This distribution marks a clear departure from the region’s current housing stock, which is 88.0% houses, suggesting a reduction in available buildable land and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and the demand for more varied, budget-friendly housing. With an average of 198 people per approval, Bega - Tathra continues to be classified as a low-density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the region is projected to gain 692 residents by 2041. Given current construction pace, housing supply is expected to remain aligned with demand, fostering a buyer-friendly market while allowing for the possibility of growth beyond existing estimates.

Bega - Tathra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives can have a profound effect on an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects that are expected to influence the region. Key initiatives include the Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, the South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal, the Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project, and the Wolumla Structure Plan. The following list outlines the projects most relevant to the area.

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While Bega - Tathra retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Bega - Tathra boasts a qualified labor pool, with essential services well represented and an unemployment rate of just 3.9%. As of March 2026, 4,129 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.6% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). According to Census responses, a low 10.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are 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. Meanwhile, mining has limited presence with 0.2% employment compared to 2.5% regionally. 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 labour force decreasing by 2.1% combined with employment decreasing by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising 0.5 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 the most recent Australian Taxation Office information compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, income levels in the Bega - Tathra SA2 are below the national average. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $45,000 while the average reaches $54,342. These figures contrast with Regional NSW values of $52,390 for the median and $65,215 for the average. Applying a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.32% since financial year 2023, projected estimates reach approximately $49,644 for the median and $59,950 for the average by March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes within Bega - Tathra all sit between the 18th and 29th percentiles on a national scale. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, representing 29.0% of residents or 2,632 individuals, which closely matches the surrounding region where 29.9% of people fall into this category. When housing costs are removed, 85.3% of income remains, although this amount places the area at only the 20th percentile nationally.

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

According to the latest Census data, the residential composition in Bega - Tathra showed that 87.8% of dwellings were houses, whereas 12.1% fell into other categories such as apartments, semi-detached units, and miscellaneous dwellings. This distribution contrasts with Regional NSW, where houses accounted for 82.6% and other dwellings made up 17.4%. Home ownership rates in Bega - Tathra exceeded those across Regional NSW, standing at 43.9%, with the rest of the housing stock either mortgaged at 29.0% or rented at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bega - Tathra was notably lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,517. Weekly rental costs also lagged behind the regional benchmark, with a median of $320 compared to $330 in Regional NSW. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Bega - Tathra were significantly beneath the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households represent the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is less 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

The educational profile of the Bega - Tathra trail region shows distinct benchmarks when compared to the broader state. Residents aged 15 years and older who possess university degrees make up 23.7% of the population, while the corresponding figure for New South Wales stands at 32.2%. This difference suggests opportunities for improving local educational outcomes and skill levels. The most common higher education qualification is the bachelor degree, held by 16.5% of residents.

Postgraduate qualifications account for 4.2%, and graduate diplomas represent 3.0%. Vocational training is also well represented, with 38.3% of residents aged 15 years and older holding trade credentials. Advanced diplomas are held by 9.4%, and certificates by 28.9%. Current engagement in formal schooling remains strong, as 27.7% of residents are actively participating in education. Within that group, 11.2% are in primary education, 7.6% are in secondary education, and 2.7% are pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bega - Tathra contains 211 active transport stops that operate as a mix of buses. These stops are served by 41 individual routes, which together offer 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, with car remaining the dominant mode at 90% and 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 with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,248 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be 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 26.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,408 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 ranks below average when it comes to cultural diversity, as 90.3% of residents hold citizenship, 89.6% were born in Australia, and 95.8% use only English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith in Bega - Tathra, accounting for 46.7% of the community. Yet Judaism shows the clearest overrepresentation, making up 0.1% of Bega - Tathra’s residents, matching the 0.1% rate found across Regional NSW.

When looking at ancestry based on parents’ country of birth, the leading groups in Bega - Tathra are Australian, at 32.7%, English, at 31.2%, and Irish, at 10.0%. Other ethnic groups also show noticeable differences: German is overrepresented at 4.1% in Bega - Tathra compared to 3.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is underrepresented at 3.3% versus 4.6%, and Dutch appears at 1.4% against a regional figure of 1.0%.

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

Bega - Tathra holds a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than the Regional NSW value of 43 and significantly above the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket displays a strong presence at 14.0% relative to Regional NSW, while the 25 - 34 age cohort is less common at 9.6%. According to Post-2021 Census information, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.4% of the total population. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 15.9% to 13.5%. By 2041, Bega - Tathra is anticipated to experience significant changes in its age structure. The 75 to 84 age group will lead this demographic transformation, expanding by 37% (315 individuals) to reach 1,165 from 849. The growing older population is evident, with those aged 65+ accounting for 52% of the anticipated increase. Meanwhile, population reductions are forecasted for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.