Barrack Heights

Barrack Heights has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Barrack Heights' population is estimated at around 5,983 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 20 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,003 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,979, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,472 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 27 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 159 people.

The level of residential development activity in Barrack Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Barrack Heights has seen around 11 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending FY26, totalling approximately 58 homes. In FY26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $386,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $745,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Barrack Heights shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 79.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 88.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 927 people per dwelling approval, Barrack Heights reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by around 35 residents through to 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Four projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve), The Waterfront Shell Cove, The Links Hotel, and Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension. These projects are key initiatives likely to have significant influence on local performance.

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Employment conditions in Barrack Heights face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Barrack Heights has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notable in essential services. The unemployment rate was 12.3% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 1.0% over the previous year. Compared to Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.7%, Barrack Heights' rate is higher at 8.7%. Workforce participation is lower, at 52.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has a lower representation at 0.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as Census working population is lower than resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force grew by 0.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contraction of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barrack Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Barrack Heights is below the national average. The median income is $50,901 while the average income stands at $62,426. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Barrack Heights would be approximately $57,320 (median) and $70,298 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Barrack Heights all fall between the 14th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 31.1% of the community (1,860 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Barrack Heights, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Barrack Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Barrack Heights, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barrack Heights stood at 37.2%, mirroring Non-Metro NSW's rate, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Barrack Heights was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Barrack Heights' mortgage repayments align with the Australian average of $1,863, but rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Barrack Heights has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 19.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education. Barrack Heights's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,252 students as of the reported date. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 924). Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (20.9 places per 100 residents vs 14.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Barrack Heights shows 49 active transport stops operating. These are served by a mix of buses on 39 different routes. Together, these routes provide 693 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Barrack Heights is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Barrack Heights faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from 2016.

Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of the total population (~3,089 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (10.1%). However, 62.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.2% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 21.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,268 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Barrack Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barrack Heights has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Barrack Heights, accounting for 57.2% of people, which is similar to the 57.3% figure across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Barrack Heights are English (28.3%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (6.6%).

Notably, Macedonian (3.6%) and Spanish (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.9% and 1.0%, respectively, while Serbian is also higher at 0.9%.

Barrack Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Barrack Heights has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.0% of the population in Barrack Heights, compared to the Rest of NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 11.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Barrack Heights' age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 19%, adding 145 residents to reach 923. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 65-74 cohorts.