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 since the Census Bathurst's population is estimated at around 6969 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 32 people (0.5%) 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 30 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 Bathurst statistical area (Lv2) 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 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 the Bathurst (SA2) expected to increase by 1236 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Bathurst averaged around 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending June 30, totalling an estimated 113 homes. As of July 18 FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average value of new homes being built is $337,000.

This financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Bathurst's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bathurst shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally for assessed areas, 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, showing a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Bathurst indicates a mature market with around 509 people per approval.

Future projections estimate Bathurst adding 1,110 residents by 2041 based on 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

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

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

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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 essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Bathurst, 3,767 residents were employed while the unemployment rate aligned with Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included 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%. Many Bathurst residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, and employment decreased by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points in Bathurst. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bathurst's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Bathurst's median income is $50,038 and average income is $60,348. This is below the national average of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. 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 incomes are 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 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 while 49.8% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling composition of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bathurst stood at 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 16.1% and rented ones making up 55.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Bathurst was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $315. Nationally, Bathurst's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,517 is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent of $300 is 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%, 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 that of Rest of NSW (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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 9.7% while certificates make up 23.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% 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 has 137 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 101 individual routes, offering 2,212 weekly passenger trips in total.

The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 103 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 316 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 16 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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~3,542 people) have private health cover, lower than the state average. Mental health issues affect 11.4% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.2%. Notably, 60.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across the Rest of NSW. Bathurst has a higher proportion of seniors (23.2%, or 1,616 people) than the Rest of NSW (19.4%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 wider region's average, with 84.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.4%), and speaking English only at home (87.9%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Bathurst, comprising 54.0% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation in the 'Other' religious category, which makes up 2.0% compared to 0.8% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (12.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher in Bathurst at 3.9% compared to 4.6% regionally. Lebanese and Scottish representations also differ slightly: Lebanese at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Scottish at 8.2% versus 7.8%.

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. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher in Bathurst at 17.2% compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.1%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bathurst. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 304 people (44%), from 696 to 1,001. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow modestly at 2%, adding only 18 residents.