Blackbutt (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Blackbutt are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Blackbutt (NSW) is around 3,488. This figure reflects a growth of 197 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,291. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,463 in June 2025 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,326 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Blackbutt's growth rate of 6.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and its SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Blackbutt are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for non-covered areas. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 653 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.0% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Blackbutt is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Blackbutt averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 20 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26. Given population decline, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $378,000. In FY-26, $93,000 in commercial development approvals were recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Blackbutt has significantly less development activity, 87.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, Blackbutt also reflects lower development activity, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 70.0% houses).

With around 700 people per dwelling approval, Blackbutt reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Blackbutt will gain 628 residents through to 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest 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 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence this region. Notable projects include Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve), The Links Hotel, Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension, and Blackbutt Dam Modification.

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 drivers in Blackbutt are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Blackbutt has a skilled workforce with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 7.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,550 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 3.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 57.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 22.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in manufacturing with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9% and employment declined by 1.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Blackbutt's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Blackbutt suburb had a median income of $55,101 and an average income of $70,432 among taxpayers. Nationally, the median was lower at $49,868 with an average of $66,845. Regionally in NSW, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $60,787 (median) and $77,701 (average). The 2021 Census ranked Blackbutt's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 29th and 41st percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 28.6% of locals (997 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. Blackbutt's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Blackbutt's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.1% houses and 29.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackbutt was at 40.9%, similar to Regional NSW's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Blackbutt was $2,000, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Blackbutt's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Blackbutt has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 27 active public transport stops in Blackbutt. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 37 individual routes. They facilitate 641 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 94%.

On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 91 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Blackbutt is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Blackbutt faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,910 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 63.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (892 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Blackbutt was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Blackbutt's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 24.3% born overseas and 22.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Blackbutt, accounting for 63.9%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (24.1%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (9.3%).

Notably, Spanish (2.0%) and Macedonian (8.2%) populations are significantly higher than regional averages of 0.3% each, while Croatian stands at 1.6%, slightly above the regional average of 0.3%.

Blackbutt hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Blackbutt's median age is 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38. The most prominent age group in Blackbutt is 45-54 year-olds at 13.1%, while the 5-14 age group is smaller at 9.5% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 8.2%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 1.8% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.4% to 13.1%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.7% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Blackbutt's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching 417 people from 286 currently. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.