Oberon

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Oberon's population is around 4,958 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 124 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,834 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,844 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Oberon's 2.6% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 248 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Oberon has experienced around 20 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 102 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $498,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Oberon has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 258 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Looking ahead, Oberon is expected to grow by 134 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bracken Estate, Oberon, Yetholme Village Plan, Mount Lambie Wind Farm, and McKanes Bridge Upgrade, 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.

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

Oberon features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. As of December 2025, 2,571 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (64.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 3.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.2% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.5% alongside a 3.0% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Oberon. 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 Oberon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Oberon SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $53,923 while the average income stands at $61,537. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,701 (median) and $66,989 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Oberon, between the 26th and 35th percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,556 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained, though disposable income sits 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 within Oberon, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.6% 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 Oberon was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 44.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.6%) or rented (23.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Oberon's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 67.0% of all households, comprising 21.9% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (33.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 173 active transport stops operating within Oberon, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 243 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 305 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 34 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 Oberon is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Oberon faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,469 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 asthma, impacting 10.6 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% 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 26.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,332 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.4% of its population being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Oberon is Christianity, which makes up 65.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Oberon are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is represented at 3.5% of Oberon (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Oberon's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (10.5%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (9.9%) than in Regional NSW. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.5% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Oberon's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 92 people (62%) from 147 to 240. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.