Lithgow
Statistical Area - sa2

Lithgow has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Lithgow's population was approximately 12,380 as of November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of five people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,385. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,281 in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 103 persons per square kilometer. Lithgow's growth rate of -0.0% since the census places it within 2.9 percentage points of its SA4 region (2.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decrease by 294 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to increase by 140 people.

The level of residential development activity in Lithgow is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Lithgow has granted approximately 27 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $290,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year, $8.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Lithgow shows significantly reduced construction activity (53.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction consists of 70.0% standalone homes and 30.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options across price brackets. This marks a shift from the current housing mix (86.0% houses), likely due to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 994 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment.

With stable or declining population projections, Lithgow should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Lithgow Council Subdivision 47 Allotments, Lithgow Area Resignalling (Stage 2), Great Western Highway Upgrade Program (West Section: Little Hartley to Lithgow), and Bowenfels Rail Viaducts. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Lithgow faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Lithgow has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of June 2025. There are 5,384 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 0.8% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Lithgow is lower at 47.8%, compared to 56.4% in the Rest of NSW. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area specializes in mining, with an employment share three and a half times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%. Many Lithgow residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between June 2024 and July 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4% and employment declined by 4.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lithgow's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Lithgow's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $48,799. The average income stood at $61,515 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in 2022. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest that Lithgow's median income would be approximately $54,953 and the average income around $69,272 by September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Lithgow fall between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 income bracket dominates with 28.3% of residents (3,503 people), unlike other regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is more prevalent at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lithgow, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Lithgow is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Lithgow's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lithgow was 41.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 27.5%, while rented dwellings were at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lithgow was $1,462, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Lithgow was $270, significantly lower than Non-Metro NSW's $300 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 59.0% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.0%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Lithgow faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (2.6%). Six schools operate within Lithgow, educating approximately 1,915 students. Four primary and two secondary schools serve distinct age groups, balancing educational provision across the area.

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

Transport analysis shows 230 active transport stops in Lithgow, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 59 routes offering 1,881 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 268 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Lithgow is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Lithgow faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Approximately 51% (~6,264 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.5%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 58.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.9% (3,210 people), higher than the 23.1% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present challenges similar to those faced by the general population.

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

Lithgow's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 58.9% of Lithgow's population, compared to 59.9% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.0%), English (30.8%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Lithgow at 5.1%, compared to 4.9% regionally. Welsh and Scottish representations also differed: Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Scottish at 8.6% versus 7.9%.

Lithgow hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Lithgow has a median age of 46, which is higher than both the Rest of NSW figure at 43 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.3% of Lithgow's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.8%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.3% to 11.4%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, Lithgow's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 10%, reaching 1,276 people from the current 1,157. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 65% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups.