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

Mudgee Surrounds - West's population is 11,529 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 457 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,072. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 11,393 in June 2024 and 254 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer. Mudgee Surrounds - West's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeds its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.8% to overall population gains recently.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 2,419 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 19.8% over 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 seen approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 129 homes. As of FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted around 4.2 new residents per year, indicating significant demand outstripping supply, which typically drives price growth and increased competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties is $495,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $39.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - West has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while reinforcing demand for established dwellings. This is below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints in the mature area. Around 91% of new building activity involves standalone homes, with only 9% being medium or high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 473 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Mudgee Surrounds - West will gain approximately 2,283 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mudgee Surrounds - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 56 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Proposed Subdivision 1 into 6 Lots at Flirtation Hill Lane, Millennium Estate development, DA0242/2024 for a proposed caravan park at Magpie Lane, Galambine improvements, and water security enhancement for Mudgee and Gulgong by 2024. The following list details projects of particular relevance.

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 6,036 residents employed as of September 2025. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is 1.6% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 67.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

A moderate 16.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in mining with an employment share 5.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 10.2% compared to the regional rate of 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.3%, employment fell by 4.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across 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, though this is a simplified 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 2023 shows Mudgee Surrounds - West SA2 had a median income of $50,891 and an average of $65,070 among taxpayers. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,400 (median) and $70,835 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Mudgee Surrounds - West rank modestly, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 28.9% of the population, which consists of 3,331 individuals, fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.0%, 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

Dwelling structure in Mudgee Surrounds - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee Surrounds - West was 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,651, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in the area was $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Mudgee Surrounds - West's median mortgage repayment was significantly lower at $1,651 than the Australian average of $1,863, and median rent was 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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 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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (36.8%). Educational participation is high at 30.8%, comprising primary education (12.9%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Mudgee Surrounds - West has 675 active public transport stops, served by 55 routes offering 544 weekly trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average 511 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters use cars (93%), with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 77 trips daily, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per stop.

The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment completed in June 2021.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,902 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 65.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,440 people), which is lower than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 63.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (32.7%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.7%, compared to 4.6% regionally. Maltese representation was also higher at 0.7%, versus 0.4%. Scottish representation was slightly lower at 7.6%, compared to 8.0% regionally.

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

Mudgee Surrounds - West has a median age of 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 percentage of 55-64 residents (14.6%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (9.1%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.0% to 10.8%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.0% to 12.6% and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.6%. By 2041, Mudgee Surrounds - West's population is expected to see notable shifts in age composition. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 370 people and reaching 1,823 from 1,452. The 5-14 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, adding only 138 residents.