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 around 11,599 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 527 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,072 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,482 from the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer. Mudgee Surrounds - West's growth rate of 4.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (1.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 36.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 2,215 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 18.1% in total over the 16 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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 129 homes. In FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 4.2 new residents are added annually for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $495,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $39.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Mudgee Surrounds - West has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is below average nationally, likely due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, 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 an increase of 2,098 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mudgee Surrounds - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Proposed Subdivision 1 into 6 Lots at Flirtation Hill Lane, Millennium Estate development, DA0242/2024 proposed Caravan Park at Magpie Lane in Galambine, and water security improvements 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.

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

Mudgee Surrounds West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, strong manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.7% as of December 2025. Employment stands at 5,999 residents with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 65.8%, above Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Home workership was moderate at 16.2% based on Census responses. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. Mining has a significant presence with an employment share of 5.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is less prominent at 10.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4% with employment down by 3.4%, increasing unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 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 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 taxpayer income of $50,891 and an average of $65,070. This is lower than the national average. Regional NSW's median was $52,390 with an average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $56,143 and an average of $71,785, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Mudgee Surrounds - West rank modestly, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 28.9% of the population (3,352 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. 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

In Mudgee Surrounds - West, as per the latest Census data, 97.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW where 82.6% of dwellings are houses and 17.4% are other types. Home ownership in Mudgee Surrounds - West stood at 47.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.0% and rented dwellings accounting for 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,651, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Mudgee Surrounds - West was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330 and Australia's national figure of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional 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 has university qualification rates of 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (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 675 active public transport stops operating within Mudgee Surrounds - West. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 55 individual routes providing 544 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 511 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 6% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 16.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 5,938 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.8% and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 65.7% of residents claim to be 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 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,542 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 dominant religion was Christianity, practised by 63.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three 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, while Maltese stood at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Scottish at 7.6% (vs 8.0%).

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 Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Mudgee Surrounds-West has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.0%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 15-24 age group grew from 9.0% to 11.3%, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.4% and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, Mudgee Surrounds-West is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 24%, increasing from 1,464 to 1,820 people.