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 1,976 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 111 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,865 people. 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 in June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer. Bermagui's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.4%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a growth of 214 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.1% 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 in Bermagui shows around 22 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 110 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.8. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new homes is $435,000, somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui has 106.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 78.0% detached dwellings and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving 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.

AreaSearch estimates project Bermagui to grow by 121 residents through to 2041. 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 43rdth percentile nationally

Four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. These include the Bermagui Water Security Project, Sapphire Cove Estate - Bermagui, Riverbend Bermagui, and Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra NSW To Victorian Border.

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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 prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025700 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.4% (1.3% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%). Workforce participation in Bermagui lags at 43.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Bermagui has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.3% of Bermagui's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.7%, accompanied by a 5.7% decrease in employment, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows 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 project national 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 indicates that Bermagui's median income among taxpayers is $39,049. The average income in the suburb was $53,164 during this period. Both figures are lower than national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 for the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest that Bermagui's median income would be approximately $42,509 as of September 2025, with an average income of around $57,874. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Bermagui fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Bermagui spans 31.3% of locals (618 people), with incomes ranging from $400 to $799. This differs from regional patterns where the $1,500 to $2,999 category dominates at 29.9%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains in Bermagui, which ranks at only the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bermagui, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bermagui was 57.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.3% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Bermagui's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 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 make up 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

Bermagui's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 24.0% of its residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 at 13.1% and certificates at 29.2%.

A substantial 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education; this includes 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

Transport analysis shows 103 active stops operating in Bermagui, served by a mix of buses. These are covered by 12 routes offering 196 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 144 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per 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 for Bermagui regarding common health conditions, with notable prevalence across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~948 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (8.2%), while 61.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in Rest of NSW. Bermagui has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.3% (737 people), compared to 31.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in 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'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, making up 42.8% of people in the town. However, Buddhism showed an overrepresentation with 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%). Notably, French (0.8%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as were Russian (0.5% vs 0.2%) and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.4%).

Bermagui ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bermagui is 57 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bermagui has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 years (21.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (6.5%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 10.9% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 18.3% to 16.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bermagui's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 60 people (31%) from 191 to 252. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.