Mudgee Surrounds - East

Mudgee Surrounds - East is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Mudgee Surrounds - East's population is approximately 3,407 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 9 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,398. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,392 in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Mudgee Surrounds - East's 0.3% growth since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.5% of overall population gains in 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 employs the 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. According to population projections, Mudgee Surrounds - East is expected to increase by approximately 278 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.7% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Mudgee Surrounds - East is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Mudgee Surrounds - East has seen approximately five new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals to around twenty-nine homes in total during this period. As of July 2026, six approvals have been recorded so far this financial year. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $405,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - East shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 63.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 549 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Mudgee Surrounds - East is expected to grow by approximately 263 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate released in Q2 2022. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mudgee Surrounds - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Bowdens Silver Project, Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, Bylong Coal Mine Project, and Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, with the following list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in Mudgee Surrounds - East face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mudgee Surrounds - East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, and unemployment stands at 5.3%. As of September 2025, there are 1,389 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 6.7% (1.4% above Rest of NSW's rate), and workforce participation is lower at 50.3%.

According to Census data, 19.9% work from home. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has high representation (3 times regional average), while health care & social assistance is lower at 12.3%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, employment fell by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.2 percentage points.

Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mudgee Surrounds - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Mudgee Surrounds - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,327 and an average income of $55,073. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,166 and $59,952 respectively. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Mudgee Surrounds - East fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.6% of individuals (1,144 people) earn between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with the region's leading band of $1,500 to $2,999 at 29.9%. A significant portion, 46.6%, falls into sub-$800 weekly brackets, indicating economic challenges. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Mudgee Surrounds - East, as per the latest Census, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee Surrounds - East stood at 55.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 22.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 22.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Mudgee Surrounds - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.2% of all households, including 16.9% that are couples with children, 30.8% that are couples without children, and 10.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households at 38.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Mudgee Surrounds - East faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (32.6%). Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mudgee Surrounds - East has 151 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus services, operating via 25 individual routes that collectively offer 152 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 90%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop. The map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Mudgee Surrounds - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions greatly affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low in the area, with approximately 47% (~1,614 people) having coverage compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Conversely, 56.2% of residents reported no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals encounter notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.1% (1,093 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Mudgee Surrounds-East had a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.8% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 63.2%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (32.5%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, Maltese, Australian Aboriginal, and Welsh ethnicities had higher representations than the regional average: Maltese at 1.1% vs 0.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.8% vs 4.6%, and Welsh at 0.6% vs 0.5%.

Mudgee Surrounds - East ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mudgee Surrounds - East is 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - East has a higher concentration of 55-64 residents at 18.1%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 5.8%. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.6%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.5% to 16.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mudgee Surrounds - East's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 78%, reaching 203 people from 114. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 66% of the projected growth, while both the 35-44 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.