Bathurst

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Bathurst as of February 2026 is around 6,970. This figure reflects a decrease of 31 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,001. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 6,809 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,173 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods for Bathurst.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Bathurst expected to increase by 1,252 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.7% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Bathurst averaged around 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 113 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $337,000.

This financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bathurst shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is reflective of the area's maturity and may indicate possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a trend toward denser development which provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Bathurst indicates a mature market with around 509 people per approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Bathurst is projected to add 1,091 residents by 2041. 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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area significantly. These include Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, and Windy 1100 Subdivision Windradyne. The following details those considered most relevant.

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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.

Bathurst has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bathurst has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 3746 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stood at 65.4%, slightly above Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicated that only 12.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The leading employment industries among Bathurst residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.4%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months leading up to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5% in Bathurst, with employment decreasing by 3.9%. This resulted in an increase in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, and an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Bathurst. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bathurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years. It is important to note that these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not take into account 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 2023 shows that Bathurst's median income is $50,038 and average income is $60,348. This is below Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,471 (median) and $65,695 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household income is at the 14th percentile, while personal income is at the 39th percentile. In Bathurst, 28.8% of locals earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from the broader area where the predominant category is $1,500 to $2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

Bathurst's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 50.2% houses and 49.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional NSW had a higher proportion of houses at 82.6%, with only 17.4% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Bathurst was lower than that of Regional NSW, standing at 28.7%. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 16.1%, and rented dwellings made up the majority at 55.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bathurst was $1,517, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Bathurst was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bathurst's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 50.8%, consisting of 45.3% lone person households and 5.5% group households. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (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 7.0% in tertiary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 137 active transport stops operating within Bathurst, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served 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 transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at an 84% rate, while 13% walk. 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. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bathurst, as assessed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 3,542 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 11.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 60.2% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces substantial health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Bathurst has 23.4% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,630 people). Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking 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 its wider region, with 84.5% being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 87.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Bathurst, comprising 54.0%. Notably, the 'Other' category represents 2.0%, higher than Regional NSW's 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (12.0%). Some ethnic groups show variations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.9% (vs regional 4.6%), Lebanese at 0.4% (vs 0.2%), and Scottish at 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 Regional NSW's average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In comparison to Regional NSW, the 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 17.4% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.2%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 16.3% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bathurst. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 333 people (50%), growing from 669 to 1,003. The 65-74 group shows more modest growth at 0%, adding only 3 residents.