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, as of November 2025, Barrack Heights' estimated population is around 5985. This reflects a decrease of 18 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6003. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 5964 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 12 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2473 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 27 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts led by the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 159 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 shows Barrack Heights has had approximately 10 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 53 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 3 approvals recorded so far. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $386,000.

There have also been $93,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Barrack Heights has significantly less development activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although construction activity has intensified recently. This activity is similarly under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 88.0% houses. With around 301 people per dwelling approval, Barrack Heights is considered a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Barrack Heights is expected to grow by approximately 33 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 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could significantly impact the local area's performance. These key projects are: Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve), The Waterfront Shell Cove, The Links Hotel, and Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension.

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 mixed workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 13.6% as of September 2025, compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Over the past year, employment stability was maintained despite this higher unemployment rate. As of September 2025, 2,411 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.8% above the regional average. Workforce participation is lower than the Rest of NSW's average (52.4% vs 56.4%). 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, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 0.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% and labour force by 0.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment was 4.3% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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 approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simplified extrapolations 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 ending June 30, 2023 shows that median income in Barrack Heights is $50,901, while average income stands at $62,426. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025, current estimates would be approximately $55,411 (median) and $67,957 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that 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 annually (1,861 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort 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

Dwelling structure in Barrack Heights, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barrack Heights was at 37.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (33.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,863, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, 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 has university qualification rates of 10.5%, 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 the most common at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.9%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

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 Barrack Heights shows that there are currently 51 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 39 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 694.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, indicating that residents typically live within 126 meters of their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 99 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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

Barrack Heights faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

The area has a relatively low private health cover rate of approximately 52% (around 3,090 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 53.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 62.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 65.2%. Barrack Heights has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.2% (1,268 people), compared to younger age groups. The health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with those of the broader population.

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 has 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 is the predominant religion in Barrack Heights, accounting for 57.2% of the population, closely matching the regional figure of 57.3%. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.3%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (6.6%).

Notably, Macedonian (3.6%) and Serbian (0.9%) ethnicities are more prevalent in Barrack Heights compared to the regional averages of 1.9% and 0.5%, respectively. Spanish ethnicity is also present at 0.9%, slightly lower than the regional average of 1.0%.

Barrack Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Barrack Heights's median age is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 25-34 is 13.0%, higher than the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 is 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, 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 Barrack Heights's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 144 residents to reach a total of 923. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 65-74 cohorts.