Bermagui

Population growth drivers in Bermagui are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Bermagui's population is estimated at around 2,002 people. This reflects a growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,865 people, an increase of 137 people (7.3%). The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,999 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 45 persons per square kilometer. Bermagui's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Bermagui is expected to grow by 210 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.5% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bermagui has experienced approximately 22 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 113 homes. So far in FY-26 (ending June 2026), five approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, from FY-21 to FY-25, there has been an average of approximately 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

This suggests that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes in Bermagui is around $435,000, aligning with broader regional development figures. In the current financial year (FY-26), approximately $5.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Bermagui has 112.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction in Bermagui comprises approximately 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while still providing some options for those seeking alternative housing types. This emphasis on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 96 people per approval, Bermagui reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Bermagui is expected to grow by approximately 91 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of June 2023). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bermagui has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are the 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.

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Employment conditions in Bermagui face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bermagui's workforce is skilled with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate, as of June 2025, is 6.1%.

This rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, with workforce participation at 43.3%, significantly lower than the regional average of 56.4%. Leading industries include accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Accommodation & food employment levels are notably high, 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 16.9% in Rest of NSW.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, with employment decreasing by 5.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Bermagui. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bermagui had a median income among taxpayers of $39,049 and an average of $53,164. These figures are lower than the national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Bermagui as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,973 (median) and $59,868 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bermagui all fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 31.3% of locals (626 people) earn between $400 - $799 per week, differing from the regional pattern where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 29.9%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains in Bermagui, ranking at only 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 evaluation, 81.1% of dwellings were houses while 18.9% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bermagui stood at 57.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 19.3% and rented ones for 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with the Non-Metro NSW average, while the median weekly rent was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,517 and $320 respectively. Nationally, Bermagui's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 make up 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the 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 substantial 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.1% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary education. Bermagui Public School serves the local area with an enrollment of 168 students, operating under varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 930). The school focuses on primary education only, with secondary options available in nearby areas. There are fewer school places per 100 residents (8.4) compared to the regional average (12.7), indicating some students might attend schools outside Bermagui.

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

Bermagui has 91 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together offer 166 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 145 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bermagui is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges in Bermagui regarding common health conditions, with notable prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 961 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.1% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 8.2%). A total of 61.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in the Rest of NSW. Bermagui has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 37.2% (744 people), compared to 31.7% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in Bermagui are notably strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Bermagui, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a population with low cultural diversity. 88.1% were Australian citizens, 84.7% were born in Australia, and 95.8% spoke only English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.8% of Bermagui's population.

Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Bermagui at 1.6%, compared to 1.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French was overrepresented at 0.8% in Bermagui, compared to 0.4% regionally; Russian at 0.5%, versus 0.2%; and Dutch at 1.7%, compared to 1.4%.

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 years and substantially exceeding Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (21.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.4%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the proportion of Bermagui's population aged 35 to 44 grew from 7.9% to 9.7%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 10.9% to 12.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 declined from 18.3% to 16.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bermagui's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 56 people (29%), increasing from 196 to 253. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.