Barnsley

Barnsley is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, Barnsley statistical area's population was estimated at around 1,819 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 84 people (4.8%) from the 2021 Census figure of 1,735 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,819 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 515 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Barnsley demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 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 a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projecting forward, Barnsley is expected to grow by 324 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Barnsley when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Barnsley has recorded around 26 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 132 homes were approved, with a further 19 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this results in about 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

This pace of construction matches or exceeds demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new dwellings developed is $428,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $11.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Barnsley shows 68.0% higher new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice and reflects strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction in Barnsley comprises 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character while also responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 99.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability.

With around 32 people per dwelling approval, Barnsley exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain approximately 290 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch is expected to impact this region. Notable projects include Winten Cameron Park Stage 5 Development, Sugar Valley Library Museum (kirantakamyari), Cameron Grove Estate, and West Wallsend and Holmesville Heritage Conservation Area Amendment. The following list highlights those most likely to be relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Barnsley maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Barnsley has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% and estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,032 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Barnsley is higher at 67.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a strong presence, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force rose by 3.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barnsley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Barnsley's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Barnsley is $54,680 and the average income stands at $61,859. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, the estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,525 and the average income would be around $67,340. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Barnsley cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 37.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 687 residents falling into this category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this income range. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Barnsley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's structure of 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barnsley stood at 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.0% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,900. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $360 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $380. Nationally, Barnsley's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Barnsley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.2% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 5.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (40.2%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Barnsley shows that there are currently 24 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 29 individual routes providing service. This results in approximately 380 weekly passenger trips across all routes.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located just 189 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are about 54 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Barnsley faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~935 people). Mental health issues impact 10.8% of residents, while asthma affects 10.4%. A total of 61.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 60.3% across Rest of NSW. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (325 people), lower than the 21.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Barnsley's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the census in June 2016, 94.6% of its population were born in Australia, with 96.0% being citizens and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Barnsley, making up 54.8% of people, compared to 54.0% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (33.2%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) was overrepresented in Barnsley compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as were Australian Aboriginal (5.6% vs 4.5%) and Polish (0.9% vs 0.6%).

Barnsley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Barnsley 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, Barnsley has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 3.1% to 4.8% of Barnsley's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 11.6%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 12.1% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Barnsley's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 352 people from the current figure of 269. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is projected to decline by 13 people.