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 12,982 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 419 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,563 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,796 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 645 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 197 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mudgee's 3.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 58.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,377 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mudgee has seen around 122 new homes approved per year, with 613 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 56 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $380,000. Additionally, $7.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Mudgee shows 112.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 72.0% detached dwellings and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 80 people per approval, Mudgee reflects a low density area.

Looking ahead, Mudgee is expected to grow by 2,191 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Mudgee has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, Logan Estate, Short Street Residential Development, and Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Mudgee ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Mudgee features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. As of December 2025, 6,818 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 7.4 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 12.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4% alongside a 3.5% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted 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 Mudgee. 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 Mudgee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.3% 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 Mudgee SA2 is just above the national average, with the median assessed at $53,432 while the average income stands at $70,050. 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 $58,166 (median) and $76,256 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Mudgee, between the 46th and 49th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of the community (4,297 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Mudgee, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.3% 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 Mudgee was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 31.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.5%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $363, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Mudgee's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.1% of all households, comprising 28.6% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 236 active transport stops operating within Mudgee, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 39 individual routes, collectively providing 410 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly exceeds the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~6,997 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.0 and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,413 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Mudgee was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.7% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Mudgee is Christianity, which makes up 58.2% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mudgee are Australian, comprising 32.2% of the population, English, comprising 32.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.0% of Mudgee (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and German at 3.1% (vs 3.1%).

Mudgee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Mudgee is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.3% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mudgee. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 26% (489 people), reaching 2,374 from 1,884. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2% (21 people).