Narooma - Bermagui

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Narooma - Bermagui's population is around 10,157 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 269 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,888 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,016 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Narooma - Bermagui has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 76.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,118 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Narooma - Bermagui has recorded around 45 residential properties granted approval each year, with 229 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 25 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.1 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $327,000. Additionally, $9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Narooma - Bermagui has 19.0% less new development (per person) while it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached houses attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 277 people per dwelling approval, Narooma - Bermagui shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Narooma - Bermagui will gain 977 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, Nsw To Victorian Border, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Narooma - Bermagui has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Narooma - Bermagui features a skilled workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 3,665 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (44.1% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.6% versus the regional average of 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.4% while employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Narooma - Bermagui. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Narooma - Bermagui's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Narooma - Bermagui SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Narooma - Bermagui SA2's median income among taxpayers is $39,120 and the average income stands at $51,897, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $42,586 (median) and $56,495 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Narooma - Bermagui all fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 31.0% of locals (3,148 people) in the $400 - 799 category, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Narooma - Bermagui, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Narooma - Bermagui was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 58.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.7%) or rented (20.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Narooma - Bermagui's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.0% of all households, comprising 15.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 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 qualifications in Narooma - Bermagui trail regional benchmarks, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 326 active transport stops operating within Narooma - Bermagui, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 17.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 reveals substantial challenges facing Narooma - Bermagui, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,651 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.8 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 58.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 37.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,763 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.3% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Narooma - Bermagui is Christianity, which makes up 45.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Narooma - Bermagui are English, comprising 33.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.5% of the population (vs 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 4.6%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

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

With a median age of 58, Narooma - Bermagui is significantly above the Regional NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 21.1% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.5%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 58. In particular, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.0% to 10.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 6.4% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 14.9% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 22.9% to 21.1%. By 2041, Narooma - Bermagui is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 387 people (38%) from 1,017 to 1,405. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.