Bellingen
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Bellingen's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 6,279, indicating a growth of 111 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 1.8% rise from the previous population count of 6,168. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,154 in June 2024 and the addition of 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, Bellingen has a density ratio of 6.3 persons per square kilometer. Comparing its growth rate with other SA3 areas, Bellingen's 1.8% increase since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the average, suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, Bellingen's population is expected to increase by 245 persons, reflecting a total increase of 1.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bellingen recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Bellingen has experienced approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with an additional six approved in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years has resulted in 0.8 new residents per year.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $514,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $3.8 million have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bellingen maintains similar construction rates per capita, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent building activity shows 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, offering diverse housing options across different price points. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 95.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for affordable housing alternatives. With around 191 people per dwelling approval, Bellingen exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections suggest Bellingen will add approximately 118 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bellingen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact this region. Notable ones are Taylors Rise Estate, Retail & ShopTop Housing Development, Hyde Street, Bellingen, Watson Place Affordable Housing, and Sewering Coastal Villages Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Bellingen faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Bellingen has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.8% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 1.4%.

As of June 2025, 2,716 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with a notable specialisation in education & training at 1.4 times the regional level but lower representation in public administration & safety at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force rose by 3.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 2.3 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of NSW's employment fall of 0.1% and unemployment rise of 0.4%.

State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contraction at 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 4.3%, favourably comparing to national unemployment rate of 4.5% but lagging national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bellingen's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localised population projections.

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

In financial year 2022, Bellingen had a median income among taxpayers of $41,196 and an average income of $52,917. These figures are below the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,563 (median) and $58,526 (average), based on a 10.6% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Bellingen fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. In terms of income distribution, 30.4% of individuals in Bellingen earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the regional level where 29.9% fall within this range. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Bellingen's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellingen stood at 46.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bellingen was $370, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Bellingen's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Bellingen features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 69.7% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.3%, with lone person households making up 26.2% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

The educational profile of Bellingen exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Bellingen is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 33.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (24.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education. There are 6 schools operating within Bellingen, educating approximately 1,187 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 18.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.6, indicating Bellingen serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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 Bellingen shows that there are 243 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 35 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 383 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 183 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 54 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bellingen are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bellingen shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,932 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.6%. About 69.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,464 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Bellingen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bellingen, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 87.6% holding citizenship. Born in Australia, 83.2% of the residents were natives.

English was spoken at home by 94.9% of the population. Christianity was the most prevalent religion, comprising 28.4% of Bellingen's inhabitants. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to the rest of NSW, with 0.5% of Bellingen's population identifying as Jewish, while regionally it was 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.2%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (10.4%). Other ethnic groups also showed notable differences: Scottish residents comprised 9.4% in Bellingen compared to 8.3% regionally, Welsh residents were at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Hungarian residents were at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Bellingen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bellingen's median age is 46, which is older than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes 15.0% of Bellingen's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.1%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.5% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 15.9% to 14.6%. By 2041, Bellingen's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 627 people from the current 446. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 53% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups.