Braidwood

Braidwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Braidwood's population is around 4,659 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 316 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,343 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,484 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 156 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Braidwood's 7.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,041 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 18.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Braidwood has seen around 26 new homes approved annually, totalling 130 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $365,000. Additionally, $14.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the rest of NSW, Braidwood has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 265 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Future projections show Braidwood adding 866 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Braidwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Araluen Road Slope Stabilisation, Tarago Road Upgrade, Blind Creek Solar Farm, and Veolia Woodlawn Advanced Energy Recovery Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 environment in Braidwood shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Braidwood features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. As of December 2025, 2,261 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.5% while employment declined by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Braidwood. 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 Braidwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Braidwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,531 with the average level standing at $62,644. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,919 (median) and $68,194 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Braidwood, between the 31st and 40th percentiles. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.9% of locals (1,299 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Braidwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.0% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Braidwood was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 52.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,732, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Braidwood's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.5% of all households, comprising 22.3% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Braidwood performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region (24.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 233 active transport stops operating within Braidwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 312 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 22.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Braidwood 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, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,348 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.2% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 63.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,259 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Braidwood is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Braidwood was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Braidwood is Christianity, which makes up 49.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Braidwood are English, comprising 31.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.7% of Braidwood (vs 8.0% regionally), French at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Braidwood notably exceeds the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 16.1% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.5% to 13.4% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.8% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 18.0% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Braidwood's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 219 people (39%) from 564 to 784. Conversely, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 10.