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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Batehaven's population is estimated at around 1,809 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 102 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,911 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,801 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 706 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 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. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 158 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.3% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Batehaven according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Batehaven has had approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 44 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded to date. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $604,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, $56,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Batehaven has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 84th percentile nationally for development activity, which has picked up recently. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (90.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (10.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (69.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes. With around 117 people per dwelling approval, Batehaven exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Batehaven is projected to add approximately 150 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Batehaven has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could 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.

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Employment drivers in Batehaven are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Batehaven has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025655 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.9%.

This is 2.0% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Batehaven is lower at 43.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicate that only 9.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

Notably, retail trade employment levels are at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 5.3%, compared to Regional NSW's average of 9.6%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 7.4% and employment fell by 7.0%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Batehaven's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Batehaven had median taxpayer income of $40,570 and average income of $50,376. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Batehaven would be approximately $44,757 and average income $55,575 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Batehaven fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals 32.1% of Batehaven's population (580 individuals) have income within $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with Regional NSW where $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures in Batehaven are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Batehaven displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Batehaven's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.6% houses and 31.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Batehaven was at 40.7%, similar to Regional NSW's level, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Batehaven was $1,365, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Batehaven was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Batehaven's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 36.6% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 29.5%.

A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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

Batehaven has 54 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 37 different routes, offering a total of 317 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 105 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes is 45 trips per day on average, equating to roughly 5 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 848 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 13.0% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 10.9%. Conversely, 53.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.4%, or 604 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. While senior health outcomes align with national rankings, they present certain challenges.

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

Batehaven, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 88.0% citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 56.0% of Batehaven's population, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Croatian ancestry was overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 0.3%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry stood at 5.2%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 4.6%. Scottish ancestry was also relatively high at 8.9%, compared to the regional average of 8.0%.

Batehaven ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Batehaven has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Batehaven has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.3% to 10.9%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 10.1% to 11.6%. Conversely, the age group of 55 to 64 has declined from 16.4% to 14.5%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Batehaven's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 75%, reaching 165 from the current figure of 94. This growth reflects an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected growth. Conversely, both age groups of 5-14 and 15-24 are expected to see reduced numbers.