Lithgow
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Lithgow's population is approximately 12,386 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of one person (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,385. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,305 in June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 103 persons per square kilometer. Lithgow's growth rate since the census is within 2.7 percentage points of its SA4 region (2.7%), 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Projected population trends indicate a decline overall, with Lithgow's population expected to decrease by 294 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 35-44 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 recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-2025/26, six approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $431,000, consistent with regional patterns.

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

With stable or declining population projections, Lithgow should see 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 that could affect the 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 highlights 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 4.4%.

There were 5,384 employed residents, an increase from the previous year despite a labour force decrease of 2.4% and an employment decline of 4.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.8 percentage points. The local unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lagged behind the region at 47.8%. Key industries for Lithgow residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Notably, mining had a significant presence with an employment share three and a half times higher than the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. These figures are below the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $54,953 and average income will be around $69,272. Census data indicates that incomes in Lithgow fall between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents, 28.3%, earn between $400 - 799 annually, while across the region, most residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lithgow was 41.2%, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lithgow was $1,462, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $1,600 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Lithgow was $270, below 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 account for 59.0% of all households, including 19.8% that are couples with children, 25.0% that are couples without children, and 13.1% that are 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 stands at 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 prevalent (9.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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%). A total of six schools operate within Lithgow, educating approximately 1,915 students. The area's educational provision is balanced, with four primary schools and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Lithgow has 230 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 59 distinct routes, facilitating 1,881 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 268 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 8 weekly trips per individual 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% (~6,267 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.5% of residents) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 58.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in the rest of NSW. Lithgow has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9% (3,211 people), compared to 23.1% in the rest of NSW. The health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of 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 population was found to be predominantly homogeneous, with 88.3% being Australian citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home as of the latest census data. Christianity was the dominant religion in Lithgow, comprising 58.9% of its population, compared to 59.9% across the rest of New South Wales. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.0%), English (30.8%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, some ethnic groups were more represented in Lithgow than regionally: Australian Aboriginal at 5.1% versus 4.9%, 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's median age is 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group is strongly represented in Lithgow at 9.3%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.3% to 11.4% of Lithgow's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, Lithgow is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 10%, reaching 1,276 people from 1,158. This aging population trend is evident with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts.