Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Blacksmiths statistical area's population is estimated at around 1,940 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 59 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,881 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,915, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 994 persons per square kilometer. Blacksmiths' growth rate of 3.1% since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the Blacksmiths (SA2) expected to grow by 34 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Blacksmiths had around 9 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 47 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes was $508,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year, $268,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Blacksmiths had 19.0% more development per person over the past 5 years. New building activity comprised 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban character while showing a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 89.0% houses). Blacksmiths has around 212 people per approval, indicating low density.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 19 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System, initiated in 2018, and Pelican Foreshore Stabilisation Project, commenced in June 2020. Additionally, two other projects were noted: Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution, starting in 2021, and Swansea Foreshore Enhancement project, with no specified start date.

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.

The employment landscape in Blacksmiths shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Blacksmiths has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. The area's unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation is slightly below standard at 52.4%. Major industries for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to 5.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blacksmiths' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that median income in Blacksmiths was $49,454, with average income at $65,931. This is lower than the national averages of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $53,836 (median) and $71,772 (average) by September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Blacksmiths fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 27.2% of residents earn between $400 - $799 weekly (527 residents), differing from the regional predominant category of $1,500 - $2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Blacksmiths, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Blacksmiths, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blacksmiths was higher at 50.1%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (27.6%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Blacksmiths was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Blacksmiths was recorded at $390, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $370 but below the national figure of $375.

Blacksmiths has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.6% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Blacksmiths fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.2% and certificates for 31.7%.

A substantial 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 28 active stops operating in Blacksmiths, serving buses. These are covered by 17 routes, offering 370 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is excellent, with residents typically 131 meters from the nearest stop.

Services average 52 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Blacksmiths is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Blacksmiths faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

The private health cover rate stands at approximately 53%, or around 1,028 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area's rate. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the region, affecting 12.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 59.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.7%, or 576 people, compared to the 21.4% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Blacksmiths are notably better than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Blacksmiths placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Blacksmiths had a cultural diversity below average, with 92.1% citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 51.6%, compared to 52.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 1.1% vs regional 0.8%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% vs 3.4%, and Samoan at 0.2% vs 0.2%.

Blacksmiths ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Blacksmiths has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and also well above the national average of 38. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation at 15.6% compared to Rest of NSW, whereas the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.0%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Following the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the age group of 75 to 84 has grown from 9.1% to 10.5% of the population. Conversely, the age groups of 55-64 have declined from 16.3% to 14.9%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Blacksmiths' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The age group of 75 to 84 is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 33 people (16%) from 203 to 237. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ are expected to account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups of 5-14 and 15-24.