Blackheath

An assessment of population growth drivers in Blackheath reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Blackheath's population is estimated at around 4,762, reflecting an increase of 90 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.9% increase from the previous count of 4,672 residents. The AreaSearch analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), estimates a resident population of 4,719 for Blackheath, with an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 150 persons per square kilometer. Blackheath's growth rate of 1.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.2%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 48 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.2% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Blackheath, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Blackheath averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $721,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $1.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blackheath records 57.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods and is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 409 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Blackheath adding 8 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand and potentially enable growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Blackheath has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact the area: Great Western Highway Upgrade - Katoomba to Lithgow (2021-2023). Other key projects include Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements (commencing 2022), Paling Yards Wind Farm (expected completion in 2024), and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (implementation from 2023 onwards).

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Blackheath has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Blackheath has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,281 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation in Blackheath lags at 50.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has 1.5 times the regional average employment levels.

Conversely, finance & insurance shows lower representation at 2.7% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Blackheath's labour force decreased by 2.1%, with employment declining by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary across industries. Applying these projections to Blackheath's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Blackheath's median income among taxpayers was $44,184 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,947 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Blackheath would be approximately $49,756 (median) and $69,759 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Blackheath rank between the 22nd and 37th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 28.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,376 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. Blackheath's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Blackheath's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 92.3% houses and 7.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackheath stood at 48.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,033. Median weekly rent in Blackheath was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Blackheath's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Blackheath features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.4% of all households, including 18.0% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 35.9% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

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

Blackheath's educational attainment is notably high, with 41.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 23.9% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally as of 2021. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.1% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (19.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest census data.

This includes 8.6% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education. Blackheath Public School and Mountains Christian College serve a total of 453 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1045) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary and one K-12 school, providing 9.5 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.5, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 77 active stops operating in Blackheath. These include train and bus services. There are 14 routes serving these stops, providing a total of 899 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 226 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is 128 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Blackheath, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,450 people), compared to 54.4% across Greater Sydney.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 60.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Greater Sydney. Blackheath has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.5% (1,500 people), versus 24.3% in Greater Sydney. Notably, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming the general population in relevant metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Blackheath records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Blackheath's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 77.5% born in Australia, 88.3% citizens, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 37.6%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.2%.

Top ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (22.3%), Irish (12.5%). Scottish representation is notably higher at 10.9% versus the regional 9.0%. Hungarian and Welsh also show slight overrepresentation, at 0.6% and 0.8% respectively.

Blackheath ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Blackheath's median age stands at 53 years, notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeding the national average of 38 by a substantial margin. The age profile reveals that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prevalent, making up 17.0% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 comprise only 7.0%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.7% to 12.2%, while the 15-24 cohort has increased from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 10.5% to 9.2%. By 2041, Blackheath's demographic composition is expected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 177 people to reach a total of 758 from the current 580. This growth will be driven entirely by those aged 65 and above, while population declines are forecast for individuals aged 0-4 and 25-34.