Bourkelands

Population growth drivers in Bourkelands are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Bourkelands is estimated at around 3,141 people. This reflects an increase from the previous estimate of 3,113 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 28 people (0.9%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, is 3,104 people. This results in a population density ratio of 1,495 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Bourkelands has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest that the suburb is expected to grow by 191 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an increase of 4.9% in total over the 17-year period from 2026 to 2041.

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

Bourkelands experienced limited development activity from 2016 to 2020, averaging one approval per year with a total of seven dwellings over the five-year period. This low level reflects Bourkelands' rural nature where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Bourkelands has much lower development activity. Its development pattern is also below national averages. New building activity from 2016 to 2020 shows a 50% split between detached and attached dwellings. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a considerable change from the current housing mix of 94% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. As of around 2021, Bourkelands has an estimated population density of approximately 1273 people per approval.

Looking ahead to 2041, Bourkelands is projected to grow by 154 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bourkelands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Rowan Village, Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct, Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct, and Active Travel Plan - Plumpton Road Section. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Bourkelands performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Bourkelands has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 1.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,684 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Bourkelands stands at 71.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.

According to Census responses, only 9.8% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Bourkelands has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.7% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities due to its predominantly residential nature.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.0%, while employment declined by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, 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 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bourkelands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Bourkelands suburb is $67,728. Average income stands at $82,615. This contrasts with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $73,729 (median) and $89,935 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Bourkelands' household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 78th and 78th percentiles. Income brackets indicate 37.7% of locals (1,184 people) earn $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the regional figure of 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bourkelands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Bourkelands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bourkelands stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 25.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bourkelands' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Bourkelands features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.5% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Bourkelands demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally with university qualification rates of 26.8%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.7% and the SA3 area rate of 20.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is notably high at 33.7%, including primary education at 12.2%, secondary education at 9.4%, and tertiary education at 4.6%.

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

Bourkelands has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 294 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 274 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, primarily by car (98%). On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 42 trips per day, equating to about 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bourkelands's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Bourkelands' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,870 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 70.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (417 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Bourkelands ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bourkelands' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.6% of its population born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 86.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Bourkelands is Christianity, comprising 68.3% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (29.2%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Indian, South Australian, and Russian ethnicities have higher representation in Bourkelands than regionally: Indian at 4.0% vs 0.6%, South Australian at 0.6% vs 0.2%, and Russian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Bourkelands's population is younger than the national pattern

Bourkelands has a median age of 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Bourkelands at 14.9%, compared to the Regional NSW average. Meanwhile, those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 3.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bourkelands' age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 86 people (19%) from 468 to 555. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.