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 estimated population of Blacksmiths as of Feb 2026 is around 1,940. 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, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Blacksmiths' 3.1% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 suburb expected to grow by 33 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.4% 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

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Blacksmiths saw approximately 9 new homes approved annually, totalling around 47 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.5 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating that 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 the rest of NSW, Blacksmiths has slightly more development, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over this period. New building activity shows 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the suburban character while responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. This marks a shift from the current 89.0% houses in the area.

Blacksmiths has around 212 people per approval, indicating low density. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Blacksmiths is expected to grow by 8 residents through to 2041. 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact this specific area. Among these key projects are: Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System, Pelican Foreshore Stabilisation Project, Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution, and the Swansea foreshore enhancement project. The following list details those projects expected to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Blacksmiths recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Blacksmiths has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, with an estimated growth of 0.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025928 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 57.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Home-based work accounts for 20.7% of jobs, considering potential Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key employment sectors include 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%. Local job opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force rose by 1.8%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blacksmiths's current employment mix suggests local job growth could reach 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 median income in Blacksmiths suburb is $49,454, lower than national average of $65,931. Regional NSW has median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $53,836 (median) and $71,772 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Blacksmiths fall between 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows largest segment is 27.2% earning $400-$799 weekly (527 residents), unlike Regional NSW where $1,500-$2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at 17th percentile.

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

Blacksmiths' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blacksmiths stood at 50.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 22.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $390, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Blacksmiths' mortgage repayments were lower ($1,733 vs $1,863), and rents exceeded the national figure ($390 vs $375).

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (31.7%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.4% in secondary, 7.4% in primary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

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

Blacksmiths has 28 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 17 different routes, offering a total of 370 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 131 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 52 trips per day, equating to about 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

AreaSearch's health assessment for Blacksmiths shows significant health challenges.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% (~1,028 people). The most common conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 59.9% report no medical ailments compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Blacksmiths has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.5% (591 people) than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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, at 51.6%, compared to 55.9% regionally. 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 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% (vs 4.6%), and Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Blacksmiths ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Blacksmiths has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38. The age group of 65-74 years shows strong representation at 16.1%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 75 to 84 years has grown from 9.1% to 10.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 15.0% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Blacksmiths' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to increase markedly, adding 41 people (a 59% rise) from 69 to 111. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age cohorts of 5-14 years and 15-24 years.