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

According to AreaSearch, Braidwood had a population of approximately 4,520 in May 2026. This figure shows a rise of 177 residents, representing a 4.1% increase compared to the 2021 Census count of 4,343. The adjustment combines the ABS estimate of 4,494 residents from June 2025 with 157 newly validated addresses added after the Census date. At this size, the settlement maintains a population density of 1.3 persons per square kilometer, which indicates generous living space per individual. Over the last ten years, the locality has shown steady expansion with a 1.6% compound annual growth rate, surpassing the SA4 region. Recent population gains were largely fueled by interstate migration, accounting for roughly 67.4% of the increase, while overseas migration and natural growth also contributed positively.

AreaSearch relies on ABS/Geoscience Australia forecasts for each SA2 area, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. Where such data is unavailable, the organization applies NSW State Government projections released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Age-specific growth rates from these models are then applied across all areas for the period 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the area is expected to experience above median growth typical of Australian non-metropolitan regions, reaching 2,041 with an additional 966 residents based on the latest annual ERP figures, marking a 20.8% total increase over 16 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 recorded approximately 26 new dwelling approvals annually, reaching a cumulative total of 130 homes across the last 5 financial years. During the current fiscal period of FY-26, 14 approvals have been logged. Over the previous 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 1.6 residents relocated to the locality for every dwelling constructed, suggesting a balanced alignment between housing supply and demand, which supports stable market conditions while new residences are developed at an average construction cost of $365,000. In addition, commercial approvals amounting to $14.5 million have been registered this financial year, reflecting consistent commercial investment momentum.

Compared to the broader Rest of NSW region, Braidwood exhibits roughly three-quarters the building activity per resident and ranks within the 58th percentile when evaluated against all assessed areas nationwide. The composition of recent construction includes 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the locality's established low-density profile and emphasizing family-oriented homes that attract residents prioritizing space. With approximately 268 people per approval, Braidwood continues to be characterized as a low-density area.

Projections indicate that Braidwood will gain 940 new residents by 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development progress aligns reasonably with anticipated growth, although prospective buyers could encounter heightened competition as the resident population increases.

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

Local infrastructure modifications, large scale projects and planning efforts can profoundly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 25 projects that are expected to influence the region. Among the most significant initiatives are the Araluen Road Slope Stabilisation, Tarago Road Upgrade, Blind Creek Solar Farm, and Veolia Woodlawn Advanced Energy Recovery Centre, and the following list highlights those deemed 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 places Braidwood well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Braidwood boasts a highly capable workforce characterized by varied sector involvement, with an unemployment rate standing at just 2.3 percent. As of March 2026, 2,287 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate sits 1.8 percent below the Regional NSW rate of 4.1 percent, while workforce participation remains broadly comparable to the regional figure of 60.6 percent. Census data indicates that a moderate 22.9 percent of residents worked from home, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be factored into this statistic.

The primary employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. There is a particularly strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where employment levels reach 2.6 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows a limited presence, accounting for 7.9 percent of employment compared to 16.9 percent at the regional level. The area seems to provide restricted local employment opportunities, as suggested by the ratio of Census working population to resident population.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period witnessed a 2.3 percent decrease in the labour force alongside a 1.3 percent decrease in employment, which led to a 1.0 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9 percent decline in employment and a 0.4 percent decline in the labour force, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide additional perspective on potential future demand within Braidwood. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6 percent over five years and 13.7 percent over ten years, growth rates vary considerably across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Braidwood's employment mix suggests that local employment should rise by 5.6 percent over five years and 11.8 percent 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

AreaSearch compiled recent postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 to show that Braidwood SA2 had a median income of $49,531 and an average income of $62,644. These figures fall below the national mean and sit slightly behind the corresponding Regional NSW values of $52,390 and $65,215. Applying a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, projected income levels reach approximately $54,643 for the median and $69,109 for the average by March 2026. Census results indicate that household, family and personal income in Braidwood all fall modestly within the 31st to 40th percentile range. The income distribution highlights that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket captures 27.9% of residents, which amounts to 1,261 individuals, mirroring the regional pattern of 29.9% in that same bracket. Housing affordability remains strong with 87.3% of income retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 35th percentile and the SEIFA income score places Braidwood in the 5th decile.

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

Residential structures in Braidwood were predominantly houses, accounting for 94.0% of the total according to the most recent Census data, while other dwelling types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and other categories made up 6.1%. This distribution contrasts with Regional NSW, where houses represent 82.6% and other dwellings constitute 17.4%. Home ownership in Braidwood stands at 52.1%, which exceeds the rate in Regional NSW. Of the remaining properties, 33.0% are under mortgage and 14.9% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment in Braidwood falls short of the Regional NSW mean of $1,732, whereas the median weekly rent is listed at $330, matching the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330 respectively. On a national scale, Braidwood’s median mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are significantly beneath the national benchmark of $375.

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

Households consisting of family units account for 67.5 percent of all residences, which includes 22.3 percent of couples with children, 37.8 percent of couples without children, and 6.8 percent of single parent families. The rest, making up 32.5 percent, are non-family households, with 30.6 percent being lone person households and 2.0 percent being group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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

University qualification rates stand at 28.8% for residents aged 15+, which surpasses the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.1%, highlighting the community's strong commitment to higher learning. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational training also plays a major role, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, including advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 27.8%.

Current educational enrollment reaches 26.6%, broken down into 11.0% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

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

Braidwood contains 233 active transport stops that are served by buses, with 16 individual routes covering the area and delivering 169 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility to transport is considered good, as residents are generally situated 312 meters from the closest stop. Being a mainly residential zone, most people travel outwards for work, with cars being the preferred mode at 88% and walking accounting for 9%. Each dwelling has an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is higher than the regional mean. About 22.9% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The daily service frequency across all routes averages 24 trips, which works out to roughly 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

A map is provided showing the 100 closest 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 experiences notable health difficulties, as AreaSearch evaluated mortality rates and the frequency of long-term illnesses, noting that typical health problems are somewhat common among both younger and older groups, and that the proportion of people with private health insurance is relatively low at around 50% of the total population (~2,278 people). The national average stands at 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most frequent medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.2 and 7.8% of residents, respectively, whereas 63.5% of locals report being entirely free of medical problems, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Adults of working age exhibit higher than average rates of chronic health conditions. The community includes 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,243 people), which exceeds the 23.4% figure for Regional NSW. Health results for older adults are above average, with national rankings surpassing those of the broader population.

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

Braidwood registered lower-than-average levels of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its residents holding citizenship, 86.5% having been born in Australia, and 95.5% reporting English as the sole language spoken at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant faith in Braidwood, accounting for 49.1% of the population. Judaism stood out as notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% of Braidwood’s residents, which matched the 0.1% figure observed across Regional NSW.

When examining ancestry based on parents’ country of birth, the leading groups in Braidwood were English at 31.3%, Australian at 29.0%, and Irish at 11.5%. Other ethnic groups also showed noticeable deviations from regional norms: Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.7% in Braidwood compared to 8.0% regionally, French at 0.7% versus 0.4%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood boasts a median age of 50, which stands out as significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and also surpasses the national mean of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age bracket is particularly prominent, accounting for 16.2% of the population, a figure that exceeds the national 11.2% share. In contrast, the 15 - 24 age group is less common, making up only 7.8%. According to the 2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age cohort expanded from 10.5% to 12.6%, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 6.8% to 7.8%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 age group shrank from 14.7% to 12.2%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 18.0% to 16.2%. Demographic models indicate that Braidwood's population structure will shift considerably by 2041. The 45 to 54 age group is forecast to grow substantially, adding 228 individuals (41%) and moving from 553 to 782 residents. At the same time, the 55 to 64 age cohort is expected to grow by a mere 0%, increasing by just 1 person.