Mittagong

Mittagong lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mittagong's population is around 11,498 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 567 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,931 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,266 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 155 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mittagong's 5.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 5,551 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 46.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mittagong among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Mittagong has seen around 65 new homes approved annually, totalling 326 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $349,000. Additionally, $24.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Mittagong has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 207 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

Future projections show Mittagong adding 5,319 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mittagong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Bowral and District Hospital Redevelopment - Stage 2, Retford Farm Stormwater Detention Basin, and Maeve Bowral, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Mittagong places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Mittagong possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,487 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.9% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and the labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mittagong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mittagong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% 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 align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Mittagong SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $54,781 while the average income stands at $96,326. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,635 (median) and $104,860 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Mittagong, between the 43rd and 45th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 30.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,483 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Mittagong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.2% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mittagong was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 40.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.2%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $435, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Mittagong's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mittagong has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.6% of all households, comprising 29.2% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Mittagong performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.1% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region (22.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (25.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 185 active transport stops operating within Mittagong, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 47 individual routes, collectively providing 2,453 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 24.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 350 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Mittagong's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mittagong's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (7,899 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 65.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,749 people), with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mittagong records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mittagong was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 11.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mittagong is Christianity, which makes up 53.4% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mittagong are English, comprising 30.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Mittagong (vs 0.2% regionally), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 8.0%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Mittagong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mittagong's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Mittagong has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (13.0%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (10.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.8%. By 2041, Mittagong is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 52% (783 people), reaching 2,281 from 1,497.