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 May 2026, is approximately 6,217 people. This figure represents an increase of 49 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,168. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2025 was 6,200, with an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Bellingen's 0.8% growth since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs 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, non-metropolitan areas nationally are expected to have lower quartile growth. Bellingen is anticipated to increase by 229 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.4% over the 16-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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 130 dwellings were approved, with another 21 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years has resulted in 0.8 new residents annually.

This indicates 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 being built is $333,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals totaling $3.8 million have been registered. Compared to the rest of NSW, Bellingen maintains similar construction rates per capita, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

The building activity shows 59% detached houses and 41% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 191 people per dwelling approval, Bellingen displays characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections estimate Bellingen to add approximately 212 residents by 2041, based on current development patterns. Given this growth, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Bellingen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact the area. Key projects are Retail & ShopTop Housing Development at Hyde Street, Bellingen; Taylors Rise Estate; Watson Place Affordable Housing; and Sewering Coastal Villages Project. The following 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 Bellingen shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bellingen has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year. As of that date, 2,753 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Bellingen was lower at 56.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 24.1% of residents worked 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%. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while the labour force increased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bellingen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, using a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 financial year 2023, Bellingen SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,127 and an average level of $55,468. This was below the national average of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,475 (median) and $61,192 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bellingen all fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.4% of the community (1,889 individuals), which is similar to patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally. The area'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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 95.4% houses and 4.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellingen was at 46.5%, with the remainder either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was $370, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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 constitute 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 at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4 people.

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

Bellingen's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 33.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. This gives the area a substantial educational advantage for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (24.2%). Educational participation is notably 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.

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 accessibility of transport in Bellingen is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 177 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while walking accounts for 9%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 58 trips per day, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this information and displays 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of 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, which consists of around 2946 people.

This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and 55.7% nationally. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents while arthritis affects 8.6%. Approximately 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has around 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 1492 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion was Christianity at 28.4%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (10.4%). Welsh, Scottish, and Hungarian ethnicities were notably overrepresented in Bellingen compared to regional averages.

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

Bellingen's median age is 46, slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group has a strong representation at 14.6%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 6.2% to 7.7% of Bellingen's population, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.2% to 12.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.7%. By 2041, Bellingen's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic change, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 640 people from its current figure of 477. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.