Mudgee Surrounds - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Mudgee Surrounds - West's population was around 11,717 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 645 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,072 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,402 in June 2024 and an additional 254 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Mudgee Surrounds - West's growth of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 2.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 46.8% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections were used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future trends projected an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 2,419 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 17.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mudgee Surrounds - West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mudgee Surrounds - West has received approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 129 homes. In FY-26 to date, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built attracts 4.2 new residents per year over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25). This indicates high demand outstripping supply, which can lead to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new properties is $495,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end homes. In this financial year, commercial approvals have reached $39.8 million, indicating robust local commercial activity. Compared to other NSW regions, Mudgee Surrounds - West has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 36th percentile nationally for assessed areas. This suggests limited buyer options and increased demand for established dwellings.

The area's low-density nature is preserved with 91% standalone homes and 9% medium to high-density housing, attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 473 people per dwelling approval in the area. Population forecasts project Mudgee Surrounds - West will gain around 2,095 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 56 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Proposed Subdivision 1 into 6 Lots on Flirtation Hill Lane, Millennium Estate development, DA0242/2024 for a proposed caravan park at Magpie Lane in Galambine, and the water security improvement plan for Mudgee and Gulgong. Below is a list of projects likely to be 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 - West demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mudgee Surrounds - West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.9%.

In June 2025, 5,960 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is at 56.4%, equal to Rest of NSW. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. Mining has a strong presence with an employment share 5.7 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.2% compared to the regional 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data analysis by AreaSearch. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5%, employment fell by 3.2%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. 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 Mudgee Surrounds - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Mudgee Surrounds - West had a median income of $47,651 and an average of $62,004 among taxpayers. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,660 (median) and $69,823 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Mudgee Surrounds - West rank modestly, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 28.9% of the population, or 3,386 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Mudgee Surrounds - West had 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings in its dwelling structure as of the latest Census. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee Surrounds - West stood at 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,651, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure in the area was $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Mudgee Surrounds - West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 71.8% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 36.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are 9 schools operating within Mudgee Surrounds - West, educating approximately 912 students. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents is 7.9, below the regional average of 13.9, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in the Mudgee Surrounds - West area shows that there are 672 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 52 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 443 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate in this region, with residents typically located approximately 511 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 63 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

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

Approximately 51% of its total population (~5,928 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. A total of 65.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 62.9% reported across Rest of NSW. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,480 people), lower than the 23.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Mudgee Surrounds - West placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mudgee Surrounds-West had cultural diversity below average, with 88.5% citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 63.9%, compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestral groups were Australian (34.5%), English (32.7%), Irish (8.9%).

Notable differences included Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% (vs regional 4.9%), Maltese at 0.7% (vs 0.5%), and Scottish at 7.6% (vs 7.9%).

Mudgee Surrounds - West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mudgee Surrounds - West's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - West has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.0% to 10.8%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 14.0% to 12.6%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 15.9% to 14.6%. By 2041, Mudgee Surrounds - West is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 23%, adding 346 people and reaching a total of 1,823 from the current figure of 1,476. The 5-14 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 7%, with an increase of 112 residents.