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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Bathurst's population is estimated at around 6851 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 150 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7001 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6805 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1153 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb of Bathurst was primarily driven by overseas migration 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 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 1254 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.2% 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 for Bathurst indicates an average of around 21 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 108 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. The average value of new homes being built is $337,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $4.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Bathurst's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bathurst shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and places among the 39th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints in the mature area. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a trend toward denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Bathurst has around 430 people per approval, indicating a mature market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Bathurst to add 1,246 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, and Windy 1100 Subdivision Windradyne. The following list details those most relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Bathurst has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Bathurst has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being prominently represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,832 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Bathurst is similar to Rest of NSW's figure of 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows a lower representation at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Many Bathurst residents commute elsewhere for work, indicated by the count of Census working population relative to local population. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels in Bathurst decreased by 2.2%, accompanied by a 3.4% drop in employment, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bathurst's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Bathurst's median income is $50,038 and average income is $60,348. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,348 (median) and $67,958 (average). Census data indicates household incomes are at the 14th percentile, while personal income is at the 39th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Bathurst is 28.8% of locals (1,973 people) earning between $800 and $1,499, unlike 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, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

In Bathurst, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 49.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure which was 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Bathurst stood at 28.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (16.1%) or rented (55.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bathurst was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Bathurst was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 compose 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 2.5.

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

Bathurst's educational profile stands out regionally with university qualification rates of 29.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.3% and Rest of NSW's rate of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (23.1%).

Educational participation is high at 25.7%, comprising tertiary education (7.0%), primary education (6.8%), and secondary education (5.6%). Bathurst operates a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 3,026 students with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1001) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 44.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 130 active public transport stops in Bathurst. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 101 individual routes operating across these stops, collectively providing 2,353 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located 103 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 336 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 51% (~3,482 people) of Bathurst's total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues are the most prevalent condition, affecting 11.4% of residents, followed by arthritis at 10.2%. However, 60.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across the rest of NSW. Bathurst has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 23.2% (1,589 people) compared to the 19.4% in the rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bathurst are better than those in the general population.

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, with 84.5% being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 87.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bathurst, accounting for 54.0%. The most significant deviation is seen in 'Other', which comprises 2.0% of Bathurst's population compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (12.0%). Notable differences exist for certain ethnicities: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.9%, Lebanese at 0.4%, and Scottish at 8.2%.

Bathurst hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Bathurst is 40, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In Bathurst, those aged 25-34 make up 17.2% of the population, higher than the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bathurst. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 319 people (47%), from 685 to 1,005. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow modestly by 4%, adding only 30 residents.