Bourke

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bourke is around 1,729. This reflects an increase of 30 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,699. The change was 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 contributing 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 areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 476 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated across specific age cohorts, particularly the 85 and over age group 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 seen minimal new dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, with less than one approved each year totalling three in total. This low level of development activity is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity influenced by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics on an individual project basis.

Bourke has substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of NSW, with its activity level also 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 changes can influence an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include the NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program, Newell Highway Upgrade, NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW), and NSW Inland Rail Interface Improvements. The following list details those projects likely 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.

Employment conditions in Bourke face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bourke's unemployment rate was 8.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025714 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation stood at 58.6%, lower than the regional average of 61.5%.

Census responses indicated that only 5.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment in Bourke were public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area had a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level, while construction employed just 5.1% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 9.7%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data over a 12-month period showed a labour force decrease of 4.4%, alongside a 5.8% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment contraction of 0.5%, labour force fall of 0.1%, and unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated 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 the local 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 2023, Bourke suburb had median income among taxpayers at $57,631 and average level at $67,541. These figures align with national averages, compared to Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income is approximately $62,737 and average at $73,525 as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($860 weekly), while household income sits at the 38th percentile. Income analysis shows 32.6% (563 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting broader area patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 91.5% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 47th percentile.

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

The latest Census showed that 95.1% of dwellings in Bourke were houses, with the remaining 4.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bourke was at 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.1% and rented ones at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bourke was $947, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Bourke was $180, compared to $330 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Bourke's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $947 versus 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 23.6%. Educational participation is high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 16.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.2% in 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 active public transport stops operating within it. These are a mix of train and bus services, totaling 10 individual routes that offer 125 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 139 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 79%, while 17% opt to walk. The area has an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual 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 assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of Bourke's total population (~927 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.3%) and arthritis (6.6%). A majority, 68.6%, report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Only 16.3% of Bourke's residents are aged 65 and over (281 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings above 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 was found to be below average, with 80.0% of its population being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Bourke, comprising 72.8% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Bourke are Australian (27.1%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (25.6%), significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

French, Lebanese, and Welsh ethnicities show notable differences: French at 0.4% in Bourke versus 0.4% regionally, Lebanese at 0.1% versus 0.2%, and Welsh at 0.4% versus 0.5%.

Bourke's population is younger than the national pattern

Bourke has a median age of 34, which is considerably lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 0-4 cohort is notably over-represented in Bourke at 8.8%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.7% of the population, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.7% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 7.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.4% to 12.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Bourke's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 36 people (97%) from 38 to 75. Notably, 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 expected to experience population declines.