Batehaven

Batehaven has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of the Batehaven statistical area (Lv2) is around 1,801 people. This reflects a decrease since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 1,911 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,793 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 703 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected for the Batehaven (SA2), with an anticipated growth of 217 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a gain of 18.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Batehaven recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Batehaven had approximately 5 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. As of FY-26 to date, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, each dwelling added around 2.8 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $604,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $56,000 in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating Batehaven's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Batehaven has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it ranks among the 66th percentile nationally, suggesting established areas and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been exclusively standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (69.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes.

Batehaven reflects a low density area with around 212 people per approval. Future projections estimate Batehaven adding 331 residents by 2041, suggesting that if current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Batehaven has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Key projects include The Sebel Hotel, Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan, Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra NSW To Victorian Border, and Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Batehaven's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025735 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower, at 43.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for Batehaven residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while education & training shows lower representation at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.6%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.1% alongside a 6.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National projections from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Batehaven's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Batehaven had a median income among taxpayers of $40,570 and an average level of $50,376. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Batehaven are approximately $44,165 (median) and $54,839 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Batehaven fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 32.1% of residents earn between $800 - 1,499 (578 people), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Batehaven, with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Batehaven displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Batehaven, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.6% houses and 31.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Batehaven stood at 40.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented ones at 37.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Batehaven was $320, equal to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Batehaven's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,365 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.6% of all households, including 13.2% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 36.6% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Batehaven fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 29.5%. A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.8% in secondary, 7.2% in primary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in secondary education, 7.2% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Batehaven indicates 54 active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 37 individual routes that collectively facilitate 317 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 105 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Batehaven is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Batehaven faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~845 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (10.9%), while 53.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in the rest of NSW. 32.2% (~579 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Batehaven ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Batehaven's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Batehaven, comprising 56.0% of people, compared to 49.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.1%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Croatian representation is higher at 1.0% in Batehaven than the regional average of 0.3%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation stands at 5.2%, compared to 3.6% regionally, while Scottish representation is slightly higher at 8.9% versus 8.6%.

Batehaven ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Batehaven has a median age of 53, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of NSW, Batehaven has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 15.9%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 7.6%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.3% to 10.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.4% to 14.7%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.3% to 15.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Batehaven's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 97 people, reaching 181 from 91. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 0 people.