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 1,805 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 106 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,911 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,793 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 705 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. 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. As future population trends are examined, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 200 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Batehaven when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Batehaven had approximately 8 new homes approved per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has attracted around 2.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust 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, $56,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Batehaven has 18.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally for development activity. Recent periods have seen an increase in development activity.

New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (69.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. With around 123 people per dwelling approval, Batehaven exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections suggest Batehaven will add 188 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current construction levels 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 top 50% nationally

No factor influences an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this region. Major initiatives 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. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

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

Batehaven's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025743 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.5% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Batehaven lagged at 48.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Only 9.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training had lower representation at 5.3% compared to Regional NSW's 9.6%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 5.0%, employment fell by 4.1%, causing unemployment to drop by 0.8 percentage points in Batehaven. In Regional NSW over the same period, employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Batehaven's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 27 June 2023 for financial year 2023, Batehaven had a median income among taxpayers of $40,570 and an average income of $50,376. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $44,165 and $54,839 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Batehaven falling between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.1% of Batehaven's population (579 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with Regional NSW where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Batehaven, 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, with the rest being mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Batehaven was $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 account for 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 constitute 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 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

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

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

Batehaven has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 37 different routes that collectively provide 317 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 105 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Batehaven, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 45 trips per day, equating to approximately 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts, with a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 47% (around 847 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0% of residents) and mental health issues (10.9%), while 53.1% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%.

Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.4% (around 602 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Batehaven, as per the findings, exhibited cultural diversity levels below average. Its population composition showed that 88.0% were citizens, 82.2% were born in Australia, and 93.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Batehaven, accounting for 56.0% of its residents, which is similar to the regional NSW average of 55.9%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.1%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations compared to regional averages: Croatian at 1.0% in Batehaven versus 0.3% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% versus 4.6%, and Scottish at 8.9% versus 8.0%.

Batehaven ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Batehaven's median age is 53, which is higher than Regional NSW's 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 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.3% to 11.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 14.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 8.7% to 7.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Batehaven's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 72%, reaching 177 people from the current figure of 102. This growth is largely driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 55% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.