Narooma - Bermagui

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

Narooma-Bermagui's population is approximately 10,152 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 264 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,888. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,016 in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Narooma-Bermagui exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 76.3% of overall gains.

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 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 the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Narooma-Bermagui is projected to increase by 1,118 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Narooma - Bermagui when compared nationally

Narooma-Bermagui recorded approximately 45 residential property approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25229 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY26. On average, 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years.

New homes had an average construction cost of $327,000. In FY26, $9.5 million in commercial approvals were registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narooma-Bermagui had 19.0% less new development per person and ranked at the 55th percentile nationally.

Housing types were 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% medium-high density housing. There were approximately 277 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density area. Population forecasts suggest Narooma-Bermagui will gain 982 residents by 2041. Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Narooma - Bermagui has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area significantly. These include the Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border. The following details those 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 drivers in Narooma - Bermagui are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Narooma-Bermagui has a skilled workforce with tourism and hospitality prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% in September 2025. It had 3,656 residents employed, which is 0.9% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged at 44.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses showed that 17.0% of residents worked from home. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a high specialization in accommodation & food (1.7 times the regional level), but lower representation in manufacturing (3.6% vs regional average of 5.8%).

There appeared to be limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 5.3% and employment declined by 5.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Rest of NSW experienced a smaller decline in employment (0.5%) and labour force (0.1%), with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, covering five and ten-year periods from May-25, suggest that Narooma-Bermagui's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The Narooma - Bermagui SA2's median income among taxpayers was $39,120 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $51,897 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $42,586 and the average income around $56,495, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Narooma - Bermagui fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of locals (3,147 people) earn between $400 and $799 annually, differing from the regional norm where the predominant cohort falls within the $1,500 to $2,999 category at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 87.0% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

Narooma - Bermagui is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Narooma-Bermagui as 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narooma-Bermagui was 58.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.7% and rented ones at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Narooma-Bermagui was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narooma - Bermagui features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.0% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Narooma - Bermagui fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Narooma-Bermagui trail region show that 22.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.7%). Currently, 22.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.1% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Narooma - Bermagui indicates that there are currently 326 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling 30 individual services, which together facilitate 415 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 164 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents, while walking accounts for 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), approximately 17.0% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages around 59 trips per day, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, displaying the locations of the 100 nearest transport stops relative to the area's centerpoint.

Health performance in Narooma - Bermagui is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant health challenges in Narooma - Bermagui. AreaSearch's assessment found notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,649 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Conversely, 58.0% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (37.4%, or 3,795 people) than Rest of NSW (23.0%). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Narooma-Bermagui, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 84.3% born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 45.4%. Judaism, however, was proportionally higher than the regional average, comprising 0.1% compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (27.8%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.7%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

Narooma - Bermagui ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Narooma-Bermagui has a median age of 58, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 is strongly represented at 21.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.5%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between January 2021 and December 2021, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 8.0% to 9.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 6.4% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 17.7% to 15.1%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 22.9% to 21.4%. Demographic projections suggest that Narooma-Bermagui's age profile will change significantly by December 2041. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 36%, adding 375 people, reaching a total of 1,405 from the current figure of 1,029. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.