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 was around 4,655 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 312 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.2% rise from the previous population count of 4,343. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,484 in June 2024 and an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (5.1%) and Rest of NSW during this period, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% to overall population gains recently, with all factors including overseas migration and natural growth being positive contributors.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with Braidwood expected to grow by 1,041 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 18.7% over the 17-year period.

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 roughly 26 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with another 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about two people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $365,000. This financial year has seen $14.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Braidwood shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, 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, suggesting room for growth. Looking ahead, Braidwood is expected to grow by 870 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Braidwood has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Braidwood has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of September 2025. There are 2,261 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 0.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at par with Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. Braidwood has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 7.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Braidwood's labour force decreased by 5.1%, while employment declined by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Braidwood SA2 is $49,531 and average income is $62,644. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $53,919 (median) and $68,194 (average) as of September 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 individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, but disposable income ranks at the 35th percentile and SEIFA income ranking places Braidwood in the 5th decile.

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

In Braidwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.0% of dwellings were houses and 6.1% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Braidwood was 52.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,732, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Braidwood was $330, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Braidwood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $330 compared to 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 comprise the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.8% among residents aged 15+, which exceeds the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region (24.1%). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.8%).

Educational participation is notably high at 26.6%, including 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 has 233 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together offer 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Braidwood is rated as good, with residents on average located 312 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while 9% walk. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of Braidwood residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 24 trips per day, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation 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 relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,346 people), compared to the national average of 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. Conversely, 63.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is comparable to the 63.3% figure across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents in Braidwood show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, the area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,245 people), which is higher than the 23.0% figure for Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in Braidwood are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens and 86.5% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 95.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.1% of Braidwood's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.3%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, Scottish (9.7%) and French (0.7%) populations were overrepresented in Braidwood compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 0.4%, respectively. Welsh also showed some divergence at 0.6%.

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood's median age is 50, higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and above Australia's national average of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 16.8% of Braidwood's population, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage and significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. The 15-24 age cohort is less prevalent in Braidwood at 7.6%. According to 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%, and the 55-64 group has fallen 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 247 people (42%), from 592 to 840. Meanwhile, the number of people in the 55-64 age range is anticipated to decrease by 41.