Blackbutt (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Blackbutt (NSW) is around 3,567. This reflects an increase of 276 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,291 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,548 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,356 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 73.0%.

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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 842 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 27.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Blackbutt according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Blackbutt has seen limited development activity, averaging three approvals per year over the past five years, totalling 16. This low level is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Blackbutt has much lower development activity. Recent construction comprises 25% detached houses and 75% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This change contrasts with the current housing mix of 70% houses, indicating reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 664 people per dwelling approval, Blackbutt reflects a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Blackbutt is projected to add 962 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show Blackbutt adding 962 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Blackbutt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program at Jilba Park and Collins Reserve, The Links Hotel development, Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension, and Blackbutt Dam Modification. Details about these projects are listed below for further relevance assessment.

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 assessment indicates Blackbutt faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Blackbutt has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,686 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, and labour force increased by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.1% employment decline and a 0.3% labour force growth with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Blackbutt's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Blackbutt is $55,090 and average income is $70,428. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Blackbutt would be approximately $62,037 (median) and $79,309 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Blackbutt rank modestly, between the 29th and 41st percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 28.6% of the population (1,020 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Blackbutt, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Blackbutt, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.1% of dwellings were houses while 29.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from Non-Metro NSW where 79.0% of dwellings are houses and 21.0% are other types. Home ownership in Blackbutt stood at 40.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Blackbutt was $420 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Blackbutt's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Blackbutt has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 76.5% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

Blackbutt shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area has university qualification rates of 17.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.2% and certificates for 28.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Blackbutt has 26 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along 37 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 662 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated just 140 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 94 trips per day, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Blackbutt, with notable prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 55% (~1,953 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.7% across Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Around 63.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.2% in Rest of NSW. Blackbutt has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.4% (906 people), compared to 20.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Blackbutt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Blackbutt, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 24.3% of its population born overseas and 22.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Blackbutt, accounting for 63.9%, compared to 57.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (9.3%).

Notably, Spanish (2.0%) and Macedonian (8.2%) were overrepresented in Blackbutt compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 1.9%, respectively. Croatian ancestry was also higher at 1.6%.

Blackbutt hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Blackbutt's median age is 43, matching Rest of NSW and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that 15-24 year-olds are notably prominent at 13.0%, while the 5-14 group is relatively smaller at 8.8% compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 7.7%, and the 85+ cohort has risen from 1.8% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 8.8%, and the 45-54 group has fallen from 15.4% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Blackbutt's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 48%, reaching 616 people from the current 417. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5%.