Oberon

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Oberon stands at approximately 4,864 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 30 people (0.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count was 4,834 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,864 combined with 66 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting population density is 1.6 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low-density environment with substantial space per inhabitant. The growth rate of 0.6% since the Census is within 1.6 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (2.2%), showing relatively competitive growth metrics. This population increase was almost exclusively generated by overseas migration, which served as the primary driver of demographic gains in recent times.

Projections published in 2024 using 2022 as a base year by the ABS and Geoscience Australia are applied by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For any SA2 localities omitted from this dataset, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilised instead. Age-specific growth trends from these data pools are projected forward to all districts for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic trends, the area is projected to experience growth in line with the lower quartile of national non-metropolitan zones, expanding by 203 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP figures, which equates to a overall rise 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

Approximately 20 new residential dwellings are approved annually in Oberon, with 102 approvals recorded over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 18 registered during FY-26 so far. An average of 0.4 people moved to the locality for each finished dwelling over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting that new residential construction is matching or outstripping demand, providing buyers with options and creating capacity for growth beyond current projections. The average estimated construction cost for these new dwellings is $498,000, indicating that developers are targeting the higher-end residential market. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $4.7 million have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting that the local market remains predominantly residential.

Development activity per person in Oberon is comparable to the Rest of NSW, keeping the local property market in alignment with broader regional trends. The composition of new residential approvals is 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached properties, which preserves the historically low-density layout and emphasizes family-oriented homes for buyers wanting extra space. There are roughly 259 residents for every approved dwelling, reflecting a low-density property market.

Looking forward, Oberon is projected to add 203 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, the supply of new housing should easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially facilitating population expansion above current forecasts.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning initiatives play a significant role in shaping the performance of a region. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that are anticipated to influence the local area. Key developments include Bracken Estate, Oberon, the Yetholme Village Plan, the Mount Lambie Wind Farm, and the McKanes Bridge Upgrade, with details provided on those most likely to impact the community.

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 labor force with a strong concentration in industrial and manufacturing operations, alongside a low unemployment rate of 2.0%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,565, and the unemployment rate sat 2.1% lower than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate is 64.2%, which is slightly higher than the 60.6% recorded across Regional NSW. Census data showed that a low proportion of residents (13.1%) worked from home, though these figures may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. Industrial manufacturing is exceptionally prominent, with employment concentration in this field tracking at 3.4 times the regional norm. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing 10.2% of workers compared to 16.9% across the region. Although local jobs are available, comparisons between the Census working population and the local population suggest that a significant number of residents travel outside the area for employment.

AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, the local labor force shrank by 1.1% and total employment fell by 1.7%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe in Regional NSW, employment decreased by 0.9%, the labor force declined by 0.4%, and the unemployment rate increased by 0.5 percentage points. Broader employment expectations can be gathered from Jobs and Skills Australia's national projections released in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to local employment structures to project future trends. While national employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by industry. Applying these sectoral trends to the local industry mix suggests that employment in Oberon would grow by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation for illustration rather than a localized population forecast.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Oberon SA2 are below the national benchmark, with a median income of $53,923 and an average income of $61,537. This is in contrast to Regional NSW, where the median is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year results in estimated figures of approximately $59,488 for the median and $67,888 for the average in March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Oberon are modest, falling between the 26th and 35th percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 31.4% of households earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,527 residents), which is similar to the regional distribution where 29.9% of households fall into this bracket. Housing costs are relatively manageable, with households keeping 87.2% of their income, though disposable income is below the national average at the 31st percentile.

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

The distribution of housing types in Oberon at the time of the last Census showed that houses made up 93.5% of all properties, while semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other configurations accounted for 6.6%, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Oberon are notably higher than the regional average, standing at 44.9% outright ownership, while mortgaged properties account for 31.6% and rented properties represent 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,517, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $280, compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, Oberon's mortgage costs are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national figure of $375.

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

Family units constitute the largest portion of households at 67.0%, which is composed of couples with children at 21.9%, couples without children at 33.1%, and single-parent households at 11.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.0%, with single-person households representing 30.7% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size stands at 2.3 people, which is slightly 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 region displays lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 16.6% compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted local learning programs. Out of those with degrees, bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 33.6%.

Engagement in learning is high, with 30.4% of local residents currently enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 12.6% attending primary schools, 8.6% in secondary schools, and 2.5% studying at tertiary institutions.

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

There are 173 active public transport stops within Oberon, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected by 21 different routes, which provide a total of 243 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 305 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers commute to locations outside the district, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 92%, and 6% of people walking. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low percentage of residents work from home (13.1% in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions).

Across all active routes, service frequency averages 34 trips per day, which translates to approximately 1 trip per week for each individual stop. The corresponding map highlights the 100 closest transport stops relative to the center of the locality.

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

Oberon exhibits notable health concerns based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which are somewhat elevated in both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, with approximately 50% of the population (~2,422 people) holding cover. This compares to 51.9% of residents in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.6% and 8.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 62.8% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic conditions are somewhat elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 27.3% of the local population (1,326 people), which is higher than the Regional NSW share of 23.4%. However, health outcomes for seniors in the area rank highly, exceeding the national average for this age bracket.

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

Cultural diversity in Oberon is lower than average, with citizens making up 82.4% of the population, 87.4% of residents born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 65.8% of the population. This is higher than the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestral backgrounds reported in Oberon are English at 31.5%, Australian at 30.4%, and Irish at 11.7%. There are also distinct differences in the representation of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal residents make up 3.5% of the population (compared to 4.6% across the region), Maltese ancestry is at 0.5% (compared to 0.4%), and Hungarian ancestry is at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%).

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

The median age in Oberon is 48 years, which is older than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The demographic profile shows a high proportion of people aged 75 - 84 years (10.7%), whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is relatively small (9.9%) compared to Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 8.4% to 10.7%. In contrast, the 65 to 74 group fell from 15.7% to 13.7%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.7%. Future projections suggest significant shifts in the age structure by 2041. The group aged 85+ is expected to grow by 90 people (65%), rising from 139 to 230, while declines are anticipated in the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.