Barham

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of Barham is around 1,650 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 81 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,569 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,585 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3.5 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 5.2% growth since census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 170 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barham, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Barham has had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (19 approvals total). This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Barham has shown less construction activity than Rest of NSW, with a development pattern well below national averages. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. As of 2021, the estimated population per dwelling approval is 633 people. By 2041, Barham is projected to add 106 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Barham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), South West Renewable Energy Zone, EnergyConnect, and Regional Housing Fund (Victoria).

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 assessment indicates Barham faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Barham's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relative.

As of September 2025759 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.5% (1.3% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%). Workforce participation is lower at 58.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 12.7% of residents work from home. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.3% compared to the regional 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment remained stable (0.0%) while labour force increased by 0.8%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Barham. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Barham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that income in Barham is below the national average. The median assessed income is $39,413 and the average income stands at $47,891. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Barham would be approximately $42,905 (median) and $52,134 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Barham all fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 29.0% earning $400 - $799 weekly (478 residents), unlike trends in the broader area where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The prevalence of lower-income residents (41.5% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of the area. While housing costs are modest with 90.1% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

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

In Barham, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barham stood at 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.7% and rented ones at 23.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,148, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent figure was $185, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Barham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,148 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.4% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 37.1% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.6%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (26.7%). A total of 21.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.0% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.3% 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

The analysis of public transport in Barham indicates that there are 55 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 7 individual routes providing service to these locations. Collectively, these routes facilitate 72 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Barham is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 379 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains car usage at 87%, while walking accounts for 11%.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Barham. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect conditions influenced by COVID-19, only 12.7% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages out to approximately 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Barham's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Barham residents have relatively positive health outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups, with arthritis and mental health problems affecting 13.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Approximately 46% (~758 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

About 61.0% declare no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above-average chronic health conditions prevalence. The area has 38.4% (633 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors rank nationally higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Barham placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Barham had a cultural diversity level below average, with 92.0% citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.7%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (33.1%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Sri Lankan, Scottish, and Australian Aboriginal groups had different representations: Sri Lankan at 0.4% (vs regional 0.1%), Scottish at 8.7% (vs 8.0%), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.5% (vs regional 4.6%).

Barham ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Barham's median age is 58, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.3% of Barham's population, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.6% to 8.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 18.5% to 20.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 15.9%. By 2041, Barham's age profile is expected to evolve significantly. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 35%, reaching 261 people from 193. The demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 83% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.