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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Blackheath is $913k. House values have moved 3.2% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Blackheath has an estimated 4,683 residents. That puts 148 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to census figures and subsequent residential updates processed by AreaSearch, the suburb of Blackheath has an estimated resident count of 4,683 as of May 2026. This represents a minor expansion of 11 people (0.2%) from the 4,672 individuals documented during the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an intermediate estimate of 4,676 residents calculated after reviewing June 2025 ABS records, combined with 37 validated new addresses registered since the census. The local density stands at 147 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and potential capacity for future growth.
Over the last ten years, the suburb of Blackheath has shown stable population trends with a 0.2% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the wider SA3 territory. Net migration from abroad served as the primary source of demographic gains, functioning as the sole driver of population growth recently. Projections for this area utilize Geoscience Australia and ABS data published in 2024 using 2022 as the anchor year, supplemented by NSW Government projections from 2022 with a 2021 baseline where necessary. Age-specific growth dynamics derived from these sources are extended to cover the years 2032 to 2041. Future expectations suggest demographic growth will align with the bottom quartile of national averages. The resident base is projected to rise by 27 individuals by 2041, representing a total expansion of 0.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
71 new dwellings have been approved in Blackheath over the past five years, an average of 14 a year. That is 3.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on residential building approvals data, the suburb of Blackheath has averaged approximately 14 new home permits annually, representing an estimated total of 71 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. During the current FY-26 period, 9 permits have been registered so far. Since the ratio of new residents to completed dwellings averaged only 0.1 per year from FY-21 to FY-25, the volume of new housing is keeping pace with or outstripping local demand, offering buyers considerable options and allowing room for population increases beyond current projections. New residences carry an average value of $721,000, indicating that builders are targeting the higher-end market with premium housing options.
Additionally, commercial development permits reached $1.0 million this financial year, highlighting the primary focus on residential use. Construction output per capita in the suburb of Blackheath is 52.0% higher than the rate for Greater Sydney, widening the selection for prospective purchasers despite a recent cooling in overall building momentum. This rate is lower than the country-wide average, reflecting the established status of the locality and pointing to possible regulatory restrictions. The mix of new construction consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the low-density character of the neighborhood through a focus on standalone homes for buyers seeking more space. The ratio of 467 residents per building permit highlights the quiet nature of local construction activity. Projections indicate that the suburb of Blackheath will gain 20 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly figures. Given current construction volumes, the residential supply is expected to satisfy demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially supporting demographic expansion above current estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Blackheath
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 14 current infrastructure and development projects close to Blackheath, worth an estimated $164 million. 2 are already under construction and 5 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major planning changes, and regional development projects can significantly affect local market performance. Only a single project has been identified as having a likely impact on this locality. Key regional projects include the Great Western Highway Upgrade - Katoomba to Lithgow, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, the Paling Yards Wind Farm, and the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, with details on the most relevant initiatives listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Katoomba Town Centre Place Activation Project
The Katoomba Town Centre Place Activation Project delivers high street, arts and culture, and community infrastructure improvements across Katoomba Town Centre. Funded by a $7.5 million NSW Government grant, the project includes upgraded street paving, kerb and guttering, new outdoor public dining facilities, improved outdoor public event spaces, street tree plantings, landscaping, public art, and smart cities technology.
Katoomba Town Centre Upgrade
Council led upgrade program to Katoomba Street and adjacent laneways in Katoomba town centre. Works include continuation and completion of paving, kerb and gutter upgrades, new street furniture and lighting, outdoor dining and event spaces, tree planting and landscaping, public art and heritage interpretation, and improved wayfinding and directional signage. The project is funded by a 7.5 million dollar NSW Government grant and is in the planning and design phase, with construction to follow and completion targeted for 2027.
Lilypad Katoomba
Lilypad Katoomba is a boutique collection of 24 luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses completed in 2024 in the heart of Katoomba, offering mountain views, secure parking and high end finishes. The project delivers new residential stock close to Katoomba Street services and transport, developed by TQM as part of its New South Wales residential portfolio.
Escarpments Estate
Escarpments Estate is a master-planned residential community adjoining the former Katoomba Golf Course, now an established street-scale estate of around 100 dwellings including houses, townhouses and a small number of units, offering contemporary homes with escarpment and parkland views and ongoing resale activity.
Echo Point Precinct Upgrade
Multi-stage upgrade of the Echo Point visitor precinct at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Following the 2020 completion of the sandstone gathering place, Prince of Wales Lookout, and night-lit boardwalk, current works funded by the NSW Government Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program are delivering balustrade and pathway improvements, upgraded lighting, and improved signage at Echo Point. The broader visitor infrastructure program also covers Pulpit Rock and Sublime Point, coordinated with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, improving accessibility and visitor flow for one of Australia's most popular tourism destinations.
Lithgow Council Subdivision 47 Allotments
Council-owned land subdivision into 47 residential allotments developed in 2 construction stages. The project includes new roads, supporting infrastructure, and bulk earthworks to create housing opportunities in the growing Bowenfels area. This development addresses the increasing housing demand in the Lithgow region, particularly in anticipation of population growth from the Western Sydney Airport development.
Lithgow Area Resignalling (Stage 2)
Upgrade of the signalling system with a new computer-based interlocking system to increase network capacity, meet operational requirements for new trains, and improve reliability and safety. Resignalling work at Lithgow is underway and will take up to three years to complete.
Bowen Vista Estate
Residential subdivision in South Bowenfels. Hynash constructed Stage 3 comprising 10 lots with roads, kerb and gutter, signage, and installation of utilities. Works for Stage 3 commenced January 2016 and were completed by early December 2016.
2,185 residents of Blackheath are employed, from a labour force of 2,273. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 55.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,849, about 82% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Data indicates the suburb of Blackheath has an unemployment rate of only 3.9% alongside a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in professional roles. As of March 2026, there are 2,185 employed local residents, and the jobless rate sits 0.2% below the Greater Sydney level of 4.1%. However, workforce participation is low, standing at 55.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a high proportion of employed residents (44.0%) worked from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions. The dominant employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical fields.
The local area exhibits a high concentration of education & training workers, which is 1.5 times the regional norm. Conversely, finance & insurance represents only 2.7% of local employment, compared to a regional benchmark of 7.3%. A comparison of census employment data against the resident workforce suggests that local job opportunities within the immediate area are limited. Labor force numbers fell by 3.9% and total employment dropped by 3.4% during the year ending March 2026, leading to a 0.5 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced a 1.9% increase in both employment and labor force levels, with unemployment showing a minor decrease. National employment forecasts from May-25 offer additional context regarding potential long-term workforce demand. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary by industry sector. Applying these national projections to the local occupation profile suggests employment among residents could grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Blackheath is $1,332 a week (about $69,000 a year), with median personal income at $740 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $44,184 a year against an average of $61,947. The average runs 40% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax statistics from the financial year 2023, the suburb of Blackheath has income levels that sit below the national average. Taxpayers in the suburb of Blackheath recorded a median income of $44,184 and an average income of $61,947, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimated figures would be approximately $48,744 for median income and $68,340 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and individual incomes ranked modestly, falling between the 22nd and 37th percentiles.
The largest local earning segment comprises 28.9% of residents receiving $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,353 residents), matching the wider metropolitan trend where this bracket represents 30.9%. High housing costs leave residents with only 84.8% of their income, ranking in the 24th percentile, while the local SEIFA income score falls in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Blackheath had 2,120 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 21% rented and 48% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 28.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest census, the residential landscape in the suburb of Blackheath consisted of 96.0% standalone houses and 3.9% other dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to Sydney metro where houses account for 55.9% and alternative dwellings represent 44.1%. Home ownership rates are high, with 48.4% of homes owned outright, while the remaining properties are mortgaged (30.5%) or rented (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,733, which is below the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to $470 in the metropolitan area.
Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Blackheath counted 2,120 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.0 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 91% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 61.4% of all households, consisting of couples with children (18.0%), couples without children (31.2%), and single parents (11.3%). The remaining 38.6% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households (35.9%) alongside group households at 2.8%. The median household size of 2.0 people is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
41.4% of adults in Blackheath hold a university qualification, including 24.7% with a bachelor degree and 12.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 75% of areas nationally. A further 19.9% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 453 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,045 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The level of educational achievement in the suburb of Blackheath is high, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 23.9% across the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. This educational profile positions the local workforce well for knowledge-based jobs. Bachelor degrees represent 24.7% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational qualifications are also common, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and vocational certificates (19.9%). Educational enrollment is high, with 25.5% of the local population engaged in studies.
This is comprised of 8.6% of residents attending primary school, 6.8% in high school, and 4.2% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Blackheath reaches 89 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 1,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The public transport network in the suburb of Blackheath consists of 89 active train and bus stops. These stops are served by 16 unique routes that facilitate 1,056 passenger journeys each week. Local access is good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles are the main mode of travel at 86%, while 5% of residents walk to work. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average.
A high proportion of residents (44.0%) work from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Transit services average 150 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 11 weekly departures per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.2% of residents in Blackheath report no long-term health condition. 6.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators for the suburb of Blackheath are favorable, with mortality rates and illness trends matching national benchmarks. The incidence of common medical conditions is typical across age groups. Approximately 51% of the population (~2,409 people) have private health insurance, which is lower than the 59.9% rate observed across Greater Sydney. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues locally, affecting 10.4% and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 60.2% of the population reported no chronic conditions compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The working-age cohort exhibits elevated rates of chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over account for 32.7% of the population (1,531 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Senior residents display strong health outcomes, ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Blackheath is largely Australian-born, at 77.5% of residents, with 7.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.6%) and Australian (22.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Blackheath is close to the regional average, with 77.5% of residents born in Australia, 88.3% holding citizenship, and 92.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 37.6% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.6% of residents compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney. English ancestry is the most common at 30.6% of the population, exceeding the regional average of 19.0%. This is followed by Australian ancestry at 22.3% and Irish ancestry at 12.5%, which is above the regional average of 6.1%.
Other ancestral lines show higher representation than the wider region, with Scottish ancestry at 10.9% (compared to 4.8% regionally), Welsh ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 0.4%), and Hungarian ancestry at 0.6% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Blackheath is 53, older than 95% of areas nationally. 14.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 53 years in the suburb of Blackheath is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 years are highly represented at 17.2% of the population, compared to a national average of 9.4%, while the 25 - 34 age group is small at 7.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age cohort grew from 9.7% to 12.7% and the 15 to 24 group rose from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.5% to 9.2% and the 55 to 64 group fell from 18.2% to 17.0%.
Significant demographic shifts are expected by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to rise by 108% (141 people) to reach 273 from 131. Residents aged 65 and over will account for 100% of the projected population growth, while declines are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Blackheath
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 37 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,672 at the 2021 Census → 4,683 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10392). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.