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, the estimated population for the Blackheath statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,713 people. This reflects an increase of 41 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,672 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,686 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 148 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Blackheath (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration 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, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 49 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Blackheath has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 69 homes. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

This indicates 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, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $1.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. When compared to Greater Sydney, Blackheath records somewhat elevated construction levels, at 46.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods and is below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 495 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Blackheath adding 58 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Blackheath has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the region: Great Western Highway Upgrade - Katoomba to Lithgow. Other key projects include Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, Paling Yards Wind Farm, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy. Relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, 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 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,233 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation in Blackheath lags at 50.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training shows a high concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, finance & insurance has lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Blackheath's labour force decreased by 3.9%, with a 2.9% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Blackheath suburb's median income among taxpayers was $44,184 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $61,947 during the same period. Greater Sydney's figures were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,099, and average income $67,436, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Blackheath's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 22nd and 37th percentiles. The largest income segment comprised 28.9% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (1,362 residents), similar to the metropolitan region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In Blackheath, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types of dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 92.3% houses and 7.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackheath stood at 48.4%, higher than Sydney metro's level. The rest of the dwellings were either mortgaged (30.5%) or rented (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Blackheath was $1,733, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,033 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Blackheath was $380, higher than Sydney metro's figure of $400 but below the national average 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% of the total. 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 41.4%, compared to the SA4 region's 23.9% and Australia's 30.4%. This includes bachelor degrees (24.7%), postgraduate qualifications (12.6%), and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 33.1% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (19.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, with 8.6% enrolled in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Blackheath has 88 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 1,056 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 150 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per 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 health challenges in Blackheath, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~2,424 people) have private health cover, compared to 55.6% in Greater Sydney.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (9.6%). 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% (1,484 people), compared to 24.3% in Greater Sydney. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in various health 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% being citizens, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 37.6%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.2% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (12.5%). Notably, Scottish (10.9%) and Hungarian (0.6%) are overrepresented, while Welsh (0.8%) is slightly higher than regional levels.

Blackheath ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Blackheath's median age stands at 53 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 17.0% of the population, compared to the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.0%, which is smaller than in Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.7% to 12.2%, while the 15-24 cohort 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 age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 183 people and reaching 758 from 574. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups.