Narooma - Bermagui

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

According to findings by AreaSearch, the population of Narooma - Bermagui stands at approximately 10,097 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 209 individuals (2.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 9,888 people. The estimate is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 10,087 from June 2025 and 110 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 40 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density. Throughout the past ten years, Narooma - Bermagui has shown steady expansion with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the wider SA3 region. Population increases were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 77.6% of the overall population gains in recent times.

For each SA2 region, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 with a 2022 base year. In instances where SA2 data is unavailable, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth projections by age category from these datasets are applied to all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic shifts point to a population growth rate slightly under the median for non-metropolitan regions across the country, with the locality projected to grow by 965 persons by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, indicating a total growth of 9.5% over the 16 years.

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

Approvals for residential properties in Narooma - Bermagui average approximately 45 per year, totaling 229 approved dwellings during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 31 registered in FY-26 so far. With an average of 1.8 new residents per year relocating for each new dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), local supply and demand remain well-proportioned, fostering steady market conditions, while the average construction value of new buildings is $327,000. Furthermore, commercial approvals amounting to $9.5 million have been recorded during this financial year, reflecting consistent commercial investment.

In comparison to the Rest of NSW, new development per resident in Narooma - Bermagui is 19.0% lower, placing it in the 56th percentile of evaluated locations across the nation. The breakdown of new residential construction consists of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% medium and high-density housing, which maintains the low density character of the locality through a focus on stand-alone homes that draw buyers seeking space. Representing approximately 279 people per dwelling approval, Narooma - Bermagui displays the hallmarks of a low density community.

Demographic projections indicate that Narooma - Bermagui will add 955 residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). At the current pace of development, the supply of new dwellings is expected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buying options and potentially fueling growth beyond current population estimates.

Narooma - Bermagui has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning policies are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 projects that are anticipated to affect the region. Major initiatives include the Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, Nsw To Victorian Border, with details provided below for the most significant developments.

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

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Narooma - Bermagui has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The labor force in Narooma - Bermagui is skilled, with a strong presence in the tourism and hospitality sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.0%. As of March 2026, 3,709 local residents are employed, with the unemployment rate closely matching the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower (44.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census figures indicate that a moderate 17.0% of the working population worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Resident employment is primarily focused in healthcare & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The region exhibits a distinct concentration of jobs in accommodation & food, with its proportion of employment reaching 1.7 times the regional benchmark. On the other hand, manufacturing is less represented at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The comparison between the Census working population and resident population suggests that local job opportunities are relatively scarce.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12-month period, the total workforce shrank by 2.2% while employment fell by 0.6%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW recorded a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% reduction in the workforce, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide additional context regarding future employment demand in Narooma - Bermagui. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to forecast future employment shifts. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Applying these sectoral projections to the employment profile of Narooma - Bermagui indicates that local employment will grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this weighting extrapolation is for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

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

Tax data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that income levels in the Narooma - Bermagui SA2 are below the national average. The median income for taxpayers in the Narooma - Bermagui SA2 is $39,120, while the average stands at $51,897, compared to Regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated figures would be roughly $43,157 (median) and $57,253 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Narooma - Bermagui all rank between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. The largest income group consists of 31.0% of residents (3,130 people) earning between $400 - 799, contrasting with Regional NSW where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common at 29.9%. Even though housing expenses are relatively low, leaving residents with 87.0% of their income, total disposable income sits in only the 6th percentile across the country.

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

According to the most recent Census, the distribution of dwelling structures in Narooma - Bermagui consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwelling types (including apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative housing options), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwelling types in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Narooma - Bermagui were considerably higher than the Regional NSW average, standing at 58.5%, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (20.7%) or rented (20.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,500 was significantly lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $290 was lower than the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage payments in Narooma - Bermagui are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Family households represent the largest category at 64.0% of all households, consisting of 15.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households representing 33.3% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Narooma - Bermagui lags behind regional averages, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 32.2% in NSW. This difference suggests opportunities for future educational expansion and skill development. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational education is highly represented, with 42.1% of the population aged 15+ holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

A significant 22.2% of the local population is enrolled in formal education. Within this group, primary school students account for 8.1%, secondary school students comprise 7.1%, and tertiary students make up 1.7%.

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

Analysis of local public transport shows 326 transit stops operating in Narooma - Bermagui, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 30 separate routes, which provide a total of 415 passenger journeys each week. Public transport access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 164 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 90%, and 7% of residents walking to work. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per household, which is below the regional average. Around 17.0% of workers work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related restrictions).

Service frequency averages 59 runs per day across the network, which translates to roughly 1 weekly service per individual stop. The linked map displays the 100 closest transit stops to the central point of the location.

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

Health statistics show significant challenges in Narooma - Bermagui, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with notable rates of illness across both younger and older cohorts, alongside an exceptionally low rate of private health insurance at roughly 46% of the population (~4,624 people). This is lower than the Regional NSW average of 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The primary medical conditions identified in the area are arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 13.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 58.0% of the population reported no chronic conditions compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age cohort experiences elevated rates of chronic illness, presenting clear health difficulties. Residents aged 65 and older make up 38.0% of the population (3,841 people), which is significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. However, health outcomes for these seniors are above average, with national rankings surpassing those of the general population.

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 has lower cultural diversity compared to national benchmarks, with 84.3% of the population born in Australia, 89.4% holding citizenship, and 95.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 45.4% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Narooma - Bermagui are English at 33.1%, Australian at 27.8%, and Irish at 10.1%. There are also notable differences in other backgrounds, with Scottish heritage overrepresented at 9.5% of the population (compared to 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 3.7% (compared to 4.6%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%).

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

The median age in Narooma - Bermagui is 58, which is considerably higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 21.5% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 6.2%. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is significantly above the national benchmark of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has expanded from 10.7% to 12.7% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 8.0% to 9.8%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 17.7% to 15.0% and the 65 to 74 demographic fell from 22.9% to 21.5%. Demographic projections indicate that the age profile of Narooma - Bermagui will shift significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort growing by 38% (383 people), rising from 1,005 to 1,389, while the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 groups are expected to shrink.