Bathurst

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bathurst reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bathurst's population is estimated at around 6970 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 31 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7001 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6809, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1173 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 overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb of Bathurst expected to increase by 1246 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Bathurst averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending June 30, totalling an estimated 118 homes. As of July 18, 2026, 18 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice and an average new home construction value of $337,000. This financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Bathurst shows around 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 33rd percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% townhouses or apartments, trends that provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With approximately 509 people per approval, Bathurst indicates a mature market. Future projections show Bathurst adding 1,104 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting this region. Key projects include Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, and Windy 1100 Subdivision Windradyne. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Bathurst has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Bathurst has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 3,771 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is 65.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 12.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Many Bathurst residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, with employment decreasing by 4.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bathurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 indicates that Bathurst's median income is $50,038 and average income is $60,348. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Bathurst would be approximately $54,471 and average income would be around $65,695 by that date. According to census data, household incomes rank at the 14th percentile while personal incomes are at the 39th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Bathurst is 28.8% of locals (2,007 people) earning between $800 and $1,499 per week, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 to $2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bathurst, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bathurst, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 50.2% houses and 49.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings at the same time. Home ownership in Bathurst was 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.1% and rented dwellings at 55.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bathurst was $1,517 as of 2016, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Bathurst was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 as of 2016.

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

Family households constitute 49.2% of all households, including 13.5% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.8%, with lone person households at 45.3% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Bathurst aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 29.1%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.3% and Rest of NSW's rate of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 23.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education at 7.0%, primary education at 6.8%, and secondary education at 5.6%.

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

A total of 137 active public transport stops operate within Bathurst, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 101 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,212 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 103 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport remains cars at 84%, while walking accounts for 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 316 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Bathurst is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bathurst faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% of Bathurst's total population (~3,542 people) has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues affect 11.4% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.2%. Only 60.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across the rest of NSW. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to elevated chronic condition rates. Bathurst has 23.2% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,617 people), with senior health outcomes presenting notable challenges that rank higher than the general population nationally.

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

Bathurst's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, as 84.5% are citizens, 82.4% were born in Australia, and 87.9% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bathurst, followed by Other (2.0%). Compared to Rest of NSW (0.8%), Other is overrepresented in Bathurst.

Top ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (12.0%). Notable differences exist for Australian Aboriginal (3.9% vs 4.6%), Lebanese (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Scottish (8.2% vs 8.0%).

Bathurst's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bathurst is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In comparison to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is notably higher at 17.5% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.2%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 16.3% to 17.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bathurst. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 335 people (50%) from 669 to 1,005. The 65 to 74 group is expected to grow modestly at 1%, adding only 9 residents.