Barrack Heights

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Barrack Heights is around 5,987 as of Feb 2026, reflecting a decrease of 16 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,003. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,964 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 11 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,474 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

For the years 2032 to 2041, these aggregations indicate an overall population decline of 40 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, particularly among the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 149 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Barrack Heights experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 26. This totals an estimated 51 homes. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined over recent years, with housing supply remaining adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market offering good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $386,000. There have also been $93,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Barrack Heights has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 88.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 317 people per dwelling approval, Barrack Heights shows characteristics of a low density area. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Barrack Heights should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Barrack Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch may affect 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. Projects with potential relevance are detailed below.

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

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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 balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of December 2025, 2435 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 9.7%, higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 57.1% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 16.8% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.4%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 1.0% and labour force by 0.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barrack Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Barrack Heights, median income is $50,901 and average income is $62,426. This is below the national median of $52,390 and national average of $65,215 for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,411 and average income $67,957. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Barrack Heights fall between the 14th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 31.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Dwelling structure in Barrack Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barrack Heights was 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented dwellings at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, higher than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent was $380 in Barrack Heights, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Barrack Heights' mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Barrack Heights has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 account for the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 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.

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

Barrack Heights has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that collectively facilitate 694 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 16.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 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

AreaSearch's health assessment for Barrack Heights indicates significant health challenges.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,091 people). The most common conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 62.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.6%, or 1,293 people) than Regional NSW (23.4%). Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

In terms of cultural diversity, Barrack Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barrack Heights had a cultural diversity index above average, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Barrack Heights, accounting for 57.2%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestral groups were English (28.3%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (6.6%).

Notably, Macedonian (3.6%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Spanish at 0.9% (regional: 0.3%), and Serbian at 0.9% (regional: 0.2%).

Barrack Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

Barrack Heights's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.4% of Barrack Heights' population, higher than Regional NSW's figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 11.4%, lower than Regional NSW's percentage. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.4%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Barrack Heights' age profile. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 13%, adding 107 residents to reach 910. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts.