Mudgee

Population growth drivers in Mudgee are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mudgee's population is around 13,084 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 521 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,563 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,822 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 631 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 198 persons per square kilometer. Mudgee's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (2.9%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Mudgee is expected to expand by 2,377 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% over the 17 years.

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

Mudgee has seen approximately 122 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 613 homes were approved, with another 35 approved in FY-26 as of present. On average, about 0.5 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while also allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Mudgee is around $418,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen approximately $7.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Mudgee has around 112% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers ample choice. The current development composition consists of about 72% detached dwellings and 28% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space.

There are approximately 80 people per dwelling approval in Mudgee, indicating a low-density market. Looking ahead, Mudgee is projected to grow by around 2,089 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Mudgee has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, Logan Estate, Short Street Residential Development, and Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Mudgee well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Mudgee, as of June 2025, has an unemployment rate of 2.1%. It has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors.

There are 6,799 residents employed, which is 1.6% lower than the Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Mudgee is 62.4%, compared to 56.4% in the Rest of NSW. Leading employment industries among residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has a notable concentration with employment levels at 7.4 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 12.2% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment declined by 3.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In NSW as of Nov-25, employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mudgee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Mudgee SA2 had median income of $50,109 and average income of $66,284. This is above national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, median income in Mudgee SA2 would be approximately $56,428 and average income $74,642. Census data ranks incomes modestly in Mudgee, between 46th and 49th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows largest segment, 33.1%, earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (4,330 residents). After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. Mudgee SA2's SEIFA income ranking is in the 4th decile.

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

Mudgee's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee stood at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Mudgee was $363, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Mudgee's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.1% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Mudgee fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 18.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (33.2%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mudgee has 248 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 36 routes providing 378 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 134 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 54 trips per day across all routes, translating to about one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Mudgee is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mudgee faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Mudgee is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,856 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 9.0% of residents, while asthma affects 8.7%. Around 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,427 people), which is lower than the 23.1% in Rest of NSW. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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

Mudgee, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (90.7%), born in Australia (91.2%), and spoke English only at home (95.4%). Christianity was the primary religion, practised by 58.2% of Mudgee's population, compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (32.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Mudgee at 5.0%, compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Maltese and German representations were lower than the regional averages: Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.5%) and German at 3.1% (vs 2.8%).

Mudgee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mudgee is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.2% of the population in Mudgee, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.3%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Mudgee. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 506 people and reaching a total of 2,374 from the current 1,867. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 17 people.