Bathurst

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

The population of Bathurst is estimated at 6,842 as of May 2026, based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 7,001 people, a change inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,836 residents using latest ERP data (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses. The population density is approximately 1,151 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods. For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2 level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by 1,161 persons to a total of 8,003 people, reflecting a 16.9% increase over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bathurst averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 113 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet 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 expected construction cost value of $337,000.

This financial year has seen $3.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bathurst has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 46.0% detached dwellings and 54.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Bathurst indicates a mature market with around 507 people per approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Bathurst is expected to grow by 1,155 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Bathurst has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, and Windy 1100 Subdivision Windradyne. The following list outlines 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.

The employment landscape in Bathurst shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bathurst has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3760 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, which is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is fairly standard at 65.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Bathurst residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.4% of the workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Bathurst's labour force decreased by 2.4%, employment declined by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bathurst. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections applied to Bathurst's employment mix suggesting local employment should increase by 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 aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending 2023 shows Bathurst had a median taxpayer income of $50,038 and an average income of $60,348. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. Regional NSW's median was $52,390 and average was $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,202 (median) and $66,576 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household income at the 14th percentile and personal income at the 39th percentile. In Bathurst, 28.8% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from metropolitan regions where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability is 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

Dwelling structure in Bathurst, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 50.2% houses and 49.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional NSW which had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings at the same time. Home ownership in Bathurst was at 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.1% and rented dwellings at 55.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bathurst was $1,517, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Bathurst was recorded at $300 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, 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 constitute 49.2% of all households, consisting of 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, 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 of 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 19.3% and that of Rest of NSW at 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (23.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Bathurst's public transport analysis indicates 137 active stops operating within the area, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 101 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,212 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 103 meters from their nearest stop. As a primarily residential region, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car (84%), with walking accounting for 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 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. An accompanying map displays 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bathurst, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,477 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Bathurst, affecting 11.4 and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 60.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Bathurst has 23.6% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,614 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those of 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed that 84.5% of its population were citizens, with 82.4% born in Australia, and 87.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.0% of Bathurst's population. The category 'Other' religion comprised 2.0% of Bathurst's population, higher than Regional NSW's average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 3.9% in Bathurst compared to Regional NSW's 4.6%, Lebanese were at 0.4% versus the regional average of 0.2%, and Scottish were at 8.2% against the regional figure of 8.0%.

Bathurst's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bathurst is 40 years, which is slightly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the Australian median of 38. In comparison with Regional NSW, the 25-34 age group is notably more prevalent in Bathurst at 16.8%, while the 5-14 age group is less so at 7.9%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.9% to 15.3%, while the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Bathurst. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow substantially by 338 people (50%), from 670 to 1,009. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is forecast to grow more modestly at 2%, adding only 12 residents.