Bermagui

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bermagui is around 1,982, reflecting a growth of 117 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 6.3% rise from the previous census figure of 1,865 residents. The current population estimate of 1,979 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer. Bermagui's population growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 183 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 9.1% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bermagui when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Bermagui has experienced around 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 108 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. This averages to approximately 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value is $435,000.

In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bermagui has 100.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% medium and high-density housing. The population is around 117 people per approval. AreaSearch projects Bermagui to grow by 180 residents by 2041, with current development patterns meeting demand and potentially facilitating further growth.

Looking ahead, Bermagui is expected to grow by 180 residents through to 2041 (from 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 42ndth percentile nationally

Four projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area significantly. These include Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra NSW To Victorian Border.

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.

Employment performance in Bermagui has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bermagui has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 737 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is 0.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Bermagui lags at 44.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 17.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.3% of Bermagui's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.5%, and employment decreased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Bermagui's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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 ending June 2023 indicates that the median income among taxpayers in Bermagui is $39,049, with an average of $53,164. This is lower than national averages. Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $43,079 (median) and $58,651 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bermagui fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 31.3% of locals (620 people) earn between $400 - $799 annually, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 is the dominant category at 29.9%. After housing costs, 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

In Bermagui, as per the latest Census, 81.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.9% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Regional NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bermagui stood 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Bermagui was $310, compared to Regional 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 account for 63.7% of all households, including 16.0% that are couples with children, 39.1% composed of couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Educational qualifications in Bermagui lag behind regional benchmarks. As of the latest data, 24.0% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university degrees, compared to 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%.

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 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 a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 144 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 86% of residents, with walking at 10% and cycling at 2%. The average number of vehicles per dwelling is 1.3, 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. On average, there are 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The provided map displays 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 shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is quite low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 951 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. About 61.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 38.1% of residents aged 65 and over (755 people), which is higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking even better than 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 84.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 42.8%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.9%.

The top ancestry groups were English (34%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (10.1%). French (0.8%), Russian (0.5%), and Dutch (1.7%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 1.0% respectively.

Bermagui ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bermagui is 57 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Bermagui has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (21.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.1%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 10.9% to 13.2%, while the proportion of those aged 35-44 has increased from 7.9% to 9.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 18.3% to 15.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bermagui's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 69 people (37%), increasing from 190 to 260 residents. However, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.