Blayney

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Blayney's estimated population is around 3608 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 160 people (4.6%) from the 2021 Census figure of 3448 people. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 3537 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 89 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 19.6 persons per square kilometer. Blayney's growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's 3.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the Blayney SA2 expected to increase by 601 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Blayney recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Blayney has seen approximately 13 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 68 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 2.1 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $409,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen approximately $183,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Blayney records 14.0% less building activity per person while it ranks among the 68th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 202 people per dwelling approval, Blayney shows characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Blayney to grow by approximately 568 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable ones are Blayney Multipurpose Service Redevelopment, Flyers Creek Wind Farm, Masterplan & Detailed Designs for Blayoney Shire, and Evans Park Estate. The following list outlines those likely 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.

Employment performance in Blayney has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Blayney's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,706 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 59.2%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Mining stands out with employment levels three times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 5.1% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 7.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Blayney's labour force decreased by 4.0%, employment declined by 6.0%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, from September 2024 to 25-Nov, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blayney's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.7% in five years and 12.5% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Blayney's median income among taxpayers is $48,760. The average income in the suburb is $60,049. Nationally, this is lower than average. In comparison, Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. With Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,080 (median) and $65,369 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Blayney rank modestly, between the 27th and 27th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.4% of residents (1,132 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains, ranking at the 30th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Blayney, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blayney was at 35.8%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (31.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,380, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $265, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Blayney's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Blayney has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Blayney faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 33.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Blayney has 99 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 534 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 137 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 76 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

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

Health data shows significant issues in Blayney, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~1,829 people) have private health cover, compared to 55.2% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.7% and 9.9% of residents respectively.

About 62.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.4% in Rest of NSW. Blayney has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (20.6%, or 743 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 18.7%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Blayney's population showed low cultural diversity, with 94.4% born in Australia, 94.5% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 63.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.1%), English (33.2%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.2% in Blayney versus 4.9% regionally, Maltese remained steady at 0.3%, and Scottish was slightly lower at 7.4% compared to the regional 7.6%.

Blayney's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Blayney's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.7% of Blayney's population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.4%, lower than Rest of NSW's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.1%. However, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 9.4%. By 2041, Blayney's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 group is expected to grow by 49%, adding 196 people to reach 597 from the current 400. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups.