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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Bangalow's estimated population is around 2,906. This reflects a growth of 154 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,752. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,885 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 119 persons per square kilometer. Bangalow's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.3%) 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, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate a significant increase in top quartile regional areas across the nation, with Bangalow expected to expand by 709 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 25.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bangalow when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Bangalow averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 56 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually.

This indicates demand outpacing supply, which typically puts 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, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Bangalow has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count is 363 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Bangalow adding 734 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Bangalow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, M1 Pacific Motorway: Byron Bay interchange capacity enhancement, Pacific Highway St Helena Tunnel construction, and Queensland Energy Roadmap Infrastructure plan. The following list outlines those most likely to be 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 has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 1.1% as of June 2025.

This is below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Bangalow was 64.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. Professional & technical had an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety showed lower representation at 3.0% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3% and employment declined by 4.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggested potential future demand within Bangalow. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bangalow's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

Bangalow had a median taxpayer income of $45,529 and an average income of $86,435 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,270 (median) and $97,334 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bangalow cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, 34.2% of the population (993 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (30.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. High housing costs consume 18.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area'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

The dwelling structure in Bangalow, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bangalow stood at 31.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (26.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,170, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Bangalow was $650, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Bangalow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,170 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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 notable, with 40.4% of residents aged 15 years and over having university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.9% and certificates at 19.4%. Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.1% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Bangalow Public School serves the local area, enrolling 280 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents (9.6) are below the regional average (13.2), indicating some students may attend schools outside Bangalow.

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

Transport analysis shows 40 active stops operating within Bangalow, with a mix of buses serving these locations. These stops are covered by 27 individual routes, offering a total of 318 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual 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 very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,773 people), compared to 52.3% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.8% and 7.4% of residents respectively, 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 (435 people), which is lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even 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, 80.1% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Bangalow is Christianity, accounting for 28.4% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.5%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (11.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.4% (vs 9.0% regionally), French remains the same at 0.9%, and Hungarian shows a higher representation at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Bangalow's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bangalow is 39 years, 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 proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 15.8% to 17.7%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 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 projected to grow by 40%, increasing from 450 to 631 people. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 4% (11 people).