Bangalow

Bangalow lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Bangalow statistical area's population was estimated at around 3,102 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 350 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,752. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 2,948 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 127 persons per square kilometer. Bangalow's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.9%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilised. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecast for the top quartile of regional areas across the nation. The Bangalow (SA2) is expected to expand by 713 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bangalow recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Bangalow has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 70 homes. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were approximately 4.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed.

This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically places upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,461,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $2.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Bangalow has 13.0% less new development per person and places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 581, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Bangalow adding 542 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Bangalow has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of one project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include the Pacific Highway St Helena Tunnel, Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, M1 Pacific Motorway: Byron Bay interchange capacity upgrade, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Bangalow positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Bangalow boasts a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,555 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Bangalow is high at 64.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Notably, employment in professional & technical services is 2.4 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 3.0% of Bangalow's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of NSW. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower Census working population vs resident population ratio. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 1.8%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.6%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise to 4.2%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bangalow's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Bangalow has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bangalow was $45,529, with an average income of $86,435. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,563 and $94,093 respectively. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Bangalow were around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the majority of residents (34.2%, or 1,060 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket weekly, aligning with broader trends across the surrounding region at 29.9%. A significant proportion of high earners (30.2%) in Bangalow indicates strong economic capacity. Housing costs consume 18.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bangalow is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Bangalow dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bangalow was at 31.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (26.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,170, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Bangalow was $650, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Bangalow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,170 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bangalow features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.1% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.9%, comprising 19.0% lone person households and 4.6% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Bangalow demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Bangalow is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 40.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. University graduates make up 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 13.9% and certificates make up 19.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Bangalow shows 42 active transport stops operating, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 26 individual routes, providing a total of 353 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Bangalow's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Bangalow with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 61% of the total population (1,893 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.7% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 7.8% of residents and asthma impacting 7.4%, while 74.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across Rest of NSW.

Bangalow has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (465 people), lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Bangalow ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bangalow was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 84.0% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 28.4%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.5%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, Scottish representation is higher at 10.4% than the regional average of 9.0%, French representation remains similar at 0.9%, and Hungarian representation is higher at 0.4% compared to the region's 0.2%.

Bangalow's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bangalow is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bangalow has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has grown from 15.8% to 17.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 12.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bangalow's age structure. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 31%, increasing from 480 to 632 people. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are projected to experience population declines.