Bellingen

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 November 2025, is approximately 6,282. This figure represents an increase of 114 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,168. The change can be inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,152 in June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.3 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are applied. Growth rates by age group are used for all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, non-metropolitan areas like Bellingen are expected to have lower quartile growth nationally. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 245 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 1.8% 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 seen approximately 26 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with another 15 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years attracted about 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 beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is around $333,000. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals worth approximately $3.8 million have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Comparing Bellingen to the Rest of NSW, it maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

The building activity shows 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing stock which is predominantly houses (95.0%). This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. With around 191 people per dwelling approval, Bellingen exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bellingen is projected to add approximately 115 residents by 2041. 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.

Bellingen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Retail & ShopTop Housing Development at Hyde Street, Bellingen; Taylors Rise Estate; Watson Place Affordable Housing project; and Sewering Coastal Villages Project. The following list provides details on those considered most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bellingen recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bellingen has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, there are 2722 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 57.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 24.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 5.4%, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates employment increased by 1.5% over one year while labour force increased by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bellingen's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Bellingen SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,127 and an average income of $55,468. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $45,859 and $60,382 respectively. Census 2021 data shows Bellingen's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. The income distribution reveals that 30.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally. Bellingen's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bellingen, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellingen stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Bellingen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $370 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 30.3%, with lone person households at 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.

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

In Bellingen, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have achieved university qualifications, with 33.3%, compared to the SA4 region's 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. This educational advantage is evident in various degrees: Bachelor degrees at 22.2%, postgraduate qualifications at 6.7%, and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (24.2%). Educational participation is high in Bellingen, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (12.4%), secondary education (10.4%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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

Bellingen has 251 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 38 different routes that together facilitate 406 weekly passenger trips. The average resident is located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward using cars as the primary mode of transportation at an 88% rate, with walking comprising 9%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Bellingen. According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Bellingen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bellingen faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,977 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6 and 8.6% of residents respectively. 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,465 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 Tuesday 10 June 2001, had a population with 87.6% being Australian citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 28.4% of Bellingen's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Bellingen with 0.5%, compared to 0.1% in the Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (10.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Welsh at 0.8% in Bellingen versus 0.5% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% versus 8.0%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

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

Bellingen's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater 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 represents 7.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 15.2% to 13.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.6%. By 2041, Bellingen's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 age 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 accounting for 53% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.