Oberon

An assessment of population growth drivers in Oberon reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Oberon's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was 4,864 by May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 30 people from the 2021 Census total of 4,834, reflecting a growth rate of 0.6%. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 4,864 in June 2025 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Oberon's growth rate of 0.6% since the census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region's 2.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

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 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 dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 203 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.2% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Oberon according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Oberon has seen approximately 20 dwellings approved for development each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 102 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years is 0.4.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $498,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Oberon has similar development levels per person, maintaining a balanced market consistent with the broader region. The new development consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. There are approximately 258 people per dwelling approval in Oberon, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Oberon is expected to grow by 203 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Oberon has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Bracken Estate, Oberon, Yetholme Village Plan, Mount Lambie Wind Farm, and McKanes Bridge Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Oberon well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Oberon has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of December 2025. In this month, 2,571 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 64.2%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%.

According to Census responses, only 13.1% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing had a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 3.4 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance had limited presence with 10.2% employment compared to 16.9% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the period from May-24 to May-25, labour force decreased by 2.5% and employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. This compared to Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Oberon's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Oberon SA2 has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $53,923 and the average is $61,537. In contrast, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,488 (median) and $67,888 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Oberon rank modestly, between the 26th and 35th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the largest segment is 31.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 1,527 residents falling into this range. This pattern is similar to the region where 29.9% occupy this income range. Housing costs are manageable, with 87.2% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Oberon, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, this was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oberon was 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Oberon was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Oberon was $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Oberon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.0% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Oberon faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.3% and certificates for 33.6%. Educational participation is high at 30.4%, including 12.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oberon has 173 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together offer 243 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living 305 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 34 trips are made each day, translating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The provided map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Oberon is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Oberon faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low in Oberon, at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,422 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and asthma (8.5%). 62.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Oberon has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Oberon showed lower cultural diversity, with 82.4% citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 65.8%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (31.5%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (11.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 3.5% versus 4.6% regionally, Maltese at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Oberon hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Oberon's median age is 48 years, which is older than Regional NSW's median of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.7% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 9.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.7%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.7% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Oberon's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to expand considerably from 139 to 230 people (a 65% increase). Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.