Mudgee Surrounds - West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mudgee Surrounds - West's population is around 11,717 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 645 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,072 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,402 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 254 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates 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 (2.9%) and the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 46.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 2,419 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 17.9% in total 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 from FY-20 to FY-24. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.2 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $495,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $39.8 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - West has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 36th percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options while demand for established dwellings strengthens. This is below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints or area maturity.

New building activity primarily comprises standalone homes (91.0%) with a smaller portion of medium and high-density housing (9.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 473 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Mudgee Surrounds - West will gain approximately 2,095 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes greatly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 56 projects impacting the area. Notable projects are Proposed Subdivision 1 into 6 Lots at Flirtation Hill Lane, Millennium Estate, DA0242/2024 Proposed Caravan Park at Magpie Lane in Galambine, and Improving Water Security for Mudgee and Gulgong. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Mudgee Surrounds - West exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mudgee Surrounds - West has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, and the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 6,036 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation matches Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. The area specialises in mining 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.3%, employment fell by 4.0%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and labour force contract by 0.1%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourable to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Mudgee Surrounds - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

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 SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,651 and an average of $62,004. This is lower than the national average. Rest of NSW had 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 rank modestly in Mudgee Surrounds - West, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 28.9% of the population (3,386 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.0%, but disposable income ranks 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

Dwelling structure in Mudgee Surrounds - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee Surrounds - West was at 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,651, while the median weekly rent was $280. 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 account for the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.2% and certificates for 36.8%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.9% in primary education, 9.3% 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

Transport analysis indicates 672 active transport stops operating within Mudgee Surrounds - West, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 52 individual routes, collectively providing 443 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 511 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,928 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.8% of residents) and asthma (8.5%). 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 31 March 2021, the area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,480 people), which is 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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 88.5% of its population being citizens and 91.9% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 97.5%. Christianity dominated as the main religion, accounting for 63.9%, compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 34.5%, English 32.7%, and Irish 8.9%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 4.7%, Maltese at 0.7%, and Scottish at 7.6%.

Mudgee Surrounds - West hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mudgee Surrounds - West's median age is 44 years, similar to the Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to the 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 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 9.0% to 10.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.6% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.9% to 14.6%. By 2041, Mudgee Surrounds - West is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 23%, adding 346 people and reaching a total of 1,823 from the previous figure of 1,476. The 5 to 14 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 7%, with an increase of 112 residents.