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

Bega-Tathra's population was 8,872 as of the 2021 Census. By Feb 2026, it had increased to around 9,239, a rise of 367 people (4.1%). This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,009 in June 2024 and the validation of 233 new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 50 persons per square kilometer. Bega-Tathra's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Bega-Tathra is expected to increase by approximately 747 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 5.6% over the 17 years.

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

Bega - Tathra has received approximately 56 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. In total, 284 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 27 approved in FY26. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated approximately 0.9 new residents per year.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $376,000. In the current financial year, $32.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Bega - Tathra has experienced somewhat elevated construction activity, with 10.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period ending FY25. The dwelling types approved during this period were 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% attached dwellings, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently composed of 88.0% houses.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, Bega - Tathra exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the region is projected to add 517 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the local area's performance. These key projects are: the Bega Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, South Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal, Barrack Street Bega Redevelopment Project, and Wolumla Structure Plan. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 4.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Bega-Tathra has a skilled workforce with 4.0% unemployment as of September 2025. It has 4,095 residents in work, an unemployment rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation at 57.9%. According to Census data, 10.7% of residents work from home.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with healthcare being particularly strong at 1.3 times the regional level. Mining has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 2.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6. In the year to Census, labour force decreased by 5.2%, employment declined by 5.2%, with unemployment remaining unchanged.

By comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Bega-Tathra, based on its current industry mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income among taxpayers in Bega - Tathra SA2 was $45,000, with average level at $54,342. This is below national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,987 and average at $59,157 during this period. Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Bega - Tathra fall between 18th and 29th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.0% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at 20th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bega - Tathra, as per the latest Census, consists of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bega - Tathra stands at 43.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented dwellings at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bega - Tathra is $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Bega - Tathra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

In Bega-Tathra region, as of a certain date, 23.7% of residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to the state average of 32.2%. The most common qualification was bachelor degrees at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials were also prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation was high, with 27.7% of residents enrolled in formal education at the time, including 11.2% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents 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

The analysis of public transport in Bega - Tathra indicates there are 211 active transport stops operating, serving 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. Most residents commute outward due to the primarily residential nature of the area. The dominant mode of transport is car at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.7% of residents work from home, which 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

Bega - Tathra faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,323 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (10.0%). While 61.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, this is slightly lower than the 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (26.1%, or 2,406 people) compared to Rest of NSW at 23.4%.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 90.3% being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.7%. Judaism, at 0.1%, showed similar representation to the rest of NSW (0.1%).

Ancestry wise, Australian (32.7%), English (31.2%), and Irish (10.0%) were the top three groups. Notably, German (4.1% vs 3.1%), Australian Aboriginal (3.3% vs 4.6%), and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.0%) showed variations in representation compared to regional averages.

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

Bega - Tathra has a median age of 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group 65-74 shows strong representation at 14.1%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.9% to 5.9% of the population, and 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. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 35%, reaching 1,110 from 823, leading the demographic shift. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 54% of growth, indicating an aging population dynamic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts.