Bermagui

Population growth drivers in Bermagui are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bermagui's population is estimated at around 1,977 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 112 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,865 people in the suburb of Bermagui. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,941 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer in Bermagui. The suburb's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Bermagui was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area 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 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected in Bermagui, with the suburb expected to grow by 214 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bermagui recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bermagui experienced around 22 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 110 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling were constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

Supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value was $435,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui has 106.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently.

This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprised 78.0% detached dwellings and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Bermagui reflects a low density area with around 110 people per approval. Looking ahead, Bermagui is expected to grow by 116 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bermagui has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could potentially impact this particular area. Notable among these are the Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border. The following list provides more details on those deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Bermagui are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bermagui has a skilled workforce with tourism and hospitality prominent. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025702 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Bermagui is lower at 43.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. A moderate 17.9% of residents work from home, based on Census responses. Leading employment industries are accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has particularly high concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.3% of Bermagui's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.6%, with employment decreasing by a similar amount, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.7%. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced milder declines in employment and labour force, with a slight rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bermagui's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 indicates the median income among taxpayers in Bermagui is $39,049, with an average of $53,164. This is lower than national averages. The Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $42,509 (median) and $57,874 (average). As per the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bermagui fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.3% of locals (618 people) earn between $400 - $799, unlike regional patterns where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Bermagui is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bermagui's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bermagui was at 57.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.3% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Bermagui was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Bermagui's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 63.7% of all households, including 16.0% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

Educational outcomes in Bermagui fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Bermagui's educational qualifications trail NSW regional benchmarks, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (29.2%).

A significant 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.1% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bermagui has 103 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 196 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 144 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport (86%). Walking and cycling account for 10% and 2% respectively. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

The level of general health in Bermagui is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Bermagui exhibits better-than-average health outcomes, as evaluated by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 949 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.1 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents display a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 36.9% (around 729 people) compared to the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Notably, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than those of the general population nationally.

Bermagui is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bermagui's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.1% being citizens, 84.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.8%. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, with 1.6% versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (10.1%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Russian (0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Dutch ethnicity also showed higher representation at 1.7%.

Bermagui ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bermagui is 57 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and substantially exceeding Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (21.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.5%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 7.9% to 10.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 18.3% to 16.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bermagui's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 60 people (31%), from 191 to 252. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.