Braidwood
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 4,560 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 217 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,343. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,488 in June 2024 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census is higher than both the SA4 region (4.7%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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. According to population projections, the area is expected to grow by an above median rate for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with a projected growth of 1,041 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a total gain of 21.2% 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 averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with a total of 163 approvals recorded across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, and an additional three in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, an average of 2.0 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $432,000, which aligns with regional patterns.

In FY-26, $14.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Braidwood has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 265 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections indicate Braidwood will add approximately 965 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Braidwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

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

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

While Braidwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Braidwood's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2025.

During this period, 2,236 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Braidwood was similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are 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.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 7.9% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Braidwood saw a labour force decrease of 3.6% alongside a 4.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lags behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Braidwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Braidwood had a median taxpayer income of $47,207 and an average of $61,281 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,211 for the median and $67,777 for the average as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Braidwood rank modestly between the 31st and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 27.9% of locals (1,272 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 35th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Braidwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 94.0% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braidwood stands at 52.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,732, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Braidwood is $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $355. Nationally, Braidwood's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,732 against the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 67.5% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up 32.5%, comprising 30.6% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 at 28.8% for residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average 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 at 11.4% and certificates at 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. The area's educational provision includes Braidwood Central School and St Bede's Primary School, collectively serving 480 students. Braidwood demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1010) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix in the area consists of 1 primary and 1 K-12 school.

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

Braidwood has 235 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together offer 179 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents usually living within 297 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, services run 25 times a day across all routes, which amounts to about one weekly trip per 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 (~2,307 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. 63.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Rest of NSW. As of 2019 data, the area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,220 people), which is higher than the 13.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing 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, as per the Australian Census conducted on Tuesday 10 August 2016, displayed lower cultural diversity compared to national averages. A majority of its population comprised citizens born in Australia who primarily spoke English at home: 88.7%, 86.5%, and 95.5% respectively. Christianity was the predominant religion with 49.1%.

Notably, Judaism, at 0.1%, showed a similar percentage to the rest of NSW. Ancestral origins in Braidwood were predominantly English (31.3%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (11.5%). Comparatively, Scottish ancestry was higher than regional averages (9.7% vs 7.6%), as well as French (0.7% vs 0.4%) and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%).

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 the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 years is strongly represented in Braidwood at 16.8%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is notably higher than the national figure of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, Braidwood's population has shifted slightly in recent years. The 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 18.0% to 16.8%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Braidwood's age profile by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is expected to grow strongly, increasing by 259 people (45%) from 580 to 840. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 55 to 64 age range is projected to fall by 25.