Bourke

Bourke has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bourke's population is estimated at around 1,729 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 30 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,699 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,716, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Bourke's 1.8% growth since census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 68.0% 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population. The suburb's population is expected to reduce by 471 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 41 people.

The level of residential development activity in Bourke is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bourke has had less than one new dwelling approved annually over the past five years, totalling four. This minimal construction activity is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and development is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Bourke's development levels are substantially lower than those in the Rest of NSW and below national patterns. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Bourke, which may reduce housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Bourke should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Bourke has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Key projects include the NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program, Newell Highway Upgrade, NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program by TfNSW, and NSW Inland Rail Interface Improvements. The following list details those 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 assessment indicates Bourke faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Bourke has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 7.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025724 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Bourke stands at 58.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that only 5.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance, with a strong specialization in public administration & safety (2.6 times the regional level). Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Bourke's labour force decreased by 5.1% and employment fell by 3.6%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Bourke's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Bourke's employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Bourke suburb had median income among taxpayers at $57,631 with average level at $67,541. This is approximately national average and compares to $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,737 (median) and $73,525 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at 60th percentile ($860 weekly), while household income sits at 38th percentile. The earnings profile shows $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band capturing 32.6% of community (563 individuals), consistent with broader trends across region showing 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 91.5% retained, though disposable income sits below average at 47th percentile.

Bourke is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bourke, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bourke was at 31.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (25.1%) or rented (43.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $947, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $180, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bourke's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bourke features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.1% of all households, including 27.3% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 22.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (23.6%). Educational participation is high at 36.6%, with 16.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bourke has 71 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 10 routes, collectively facilitating 125 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Bourke's residential nature. Cars dominate at 79%, while 17% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.6% work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 17 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

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

Bourke faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's analysis.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is prevalent at approximately 54% of the total population (~927 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.3%) and arthritis (6.6%). However, 68.6% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (283 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

Bourke is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bourke's cultural diversity is below average, with 80.0% citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Bourke, comprising 72.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.1%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (25.6%), significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

French ethnicity is notably overrepresented in Bourke at 0.4%, compared to the regional figure of 0.4%. Lebanese ethnicity stands at 0.1% in Bourke, lower than the regional average of 0.2%. Welsh ethnicity also shows a slight divergence, with Bourke reporting 0.4% against the regional average of 0.5%.

Bourke's population is younger than the national pattern

Bourke has a median age of 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. Locally, the 0-4 cohort is notably over-represented at 8.8%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.9% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 7.8%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.4% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bourke's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 37 people (100%), expanding from 38 to 76. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.