Bermagui

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

By Feb 2026, Bermagui's population is estimated at around 1,977, reflecting a 6.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,865 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 1,941 in June 2024 and validation of an additional 55 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 44 persons per square kilometer. Bermagui's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed around 76.0% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by approximately 256 persons, reflecting an 11.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Bermagui recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 108 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years was about 0.8.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $435,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $4.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui shows 103.0% higher development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The location has approximately 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments among new building activity, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. There are roughly 114 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Bermagui is expected to grow by approximately 220 residents through to 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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 made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area in question. 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. For further details on those likely to have the most relevance, see below.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bermagui recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bermagui has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By December 2025705 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, which is 0.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Bermagui is lower at 43.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 17.9% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Employment levels in accommodation & food are particularly high, at 2.0 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence with 11.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8% and employment declined by 3.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bermagui's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Bermagui had a median taxpayer income of $39,049 and an average income of $53,164 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average, with Regional NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $42,509 and the average income $57,874, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bermagui fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. In Bermagui, 31.3% of individuals (618) earn within the $400 - $799 band, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains in Bermagui, 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), compared to Regional NSW's 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, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bermagui was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bermagui's mortgage repayments were 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 constitute 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% 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 trail regional benchmarks, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (29.2%).

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues 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 collectively facilitate 196 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 144 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation, used by 86% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 10% and 2%, respectively. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Bermagui, 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 analysis, displaying 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 949 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. Notably, 61.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a larger proportion of seniors, with 36.9% aged 65 and over (729 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher 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's cultural diversity was found to be 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 in Bermagui, comprising 42.8% of people. Buddhism showed an overrepresentation in Bermagui with 1.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (10.1%). French, Russian, and Dutch ethnicities were notably overrepresented at 0.8%, 0.5%, and 1.7% respectively in Bermagui compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 1.0%.

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 also substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Bermagui has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (21.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.6%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 7.9% to 10.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 10.9% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 18.3% to 15.9%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 22.2% to 21.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bermagui's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 75 people (39%), from 191 to 267. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.