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

Braidwood's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,582. This figure represents an increase of 239 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,343. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,486 in June 2024 and an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's growth rate of 5.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.1%) and the non-metro area, indicating its status as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.0% to overall 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 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is projected to increase by 1,041 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 20.6% 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 approximately 26 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 130 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built attracts an average of 2 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $365,000.

This financial year has seen $14.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Braidwood records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (5.0%), maintaining the area's low density nature.

This attracts space-seeking buyers, with around 265 people per approval. Future projections estimate Braidwood will add 943 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections. However, increased competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

Braidwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include Araluen Road Slope Stabilisation, Tarago Road Upgrade, Blind Creek Solar Farm, and Veolia Woodlawn Advanced Energy Recovery Centre. The following list details those 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.

While Braidwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Braidwood has a skilled workforce with varied sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of September 2025. There are 2,261 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Braidwood is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. Braidwood shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 7.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, Braidwood's labour force decreased by 5.1%, with a 5.3% decline in employment, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment contraction, a 0.1% labour force fall, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Braidwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Braidwood SA2 had lower incomes than national averages based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median income was $47,207 and average income was $61,281, compared to Rest of NSW's $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $53,160 (median) and $69,009 (average), considering a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data showed Braidwood's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 31st and 40th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band included 27.9% of individuals (1,278), similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.3% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 35th percentile and SEIFA income ranking placed Braidwood in the 5th decile.

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

Braidwood's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braidwood stood at 52.1%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,732, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Braidwood was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $355 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.5% of all households, including 22.3% that are couples with children, 37.8% that are couples without children, and 6.8% that are 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 is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region rate of 24.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 27.8%.

Educational participation is 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

Braidwood's public transport analysis indicates 235 active stops operating within the area, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 179 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 297 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 2,318 people), compared to 61.0% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.2 and 7.8% of residents respectively. Approximately 63.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 26.8% of Braidwood's residents are aged 65 and over (around 1,226 people), which is higher than the 13.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in Braidwood are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Braidwood's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being citizens and 86.5% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.1%.

Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.3%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than regional averages at 9.7%. French and Welsh ancestries were also slightly overrepresented at 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively.

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood's median age stands at 50, surpassing Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 16.8% of Braidwood's population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage but lower than the national figure of 11.2%. The 15-24 age cohort makes up 7.6% of Braidwood's population. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.5% to 12.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 12.3%. The 55-64 age group has also dropped, from 18.0% to 16.8%. By 2041, Braidwood's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 age cohort is expected to grow by 257 people (44%), from 582 to 840. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 55-64 age range is anticipated to decrease by 29.