Bourkelands

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, the Bourkelands statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 3,139. This reflects a rise from the 2021 Census figure of 3,113 people, an increase of 26 individuals or approximately 0.8%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,104 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,494 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bourkelands has shown consistent growth patterns with an average annual increase of 0.6%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilised. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, the Bourkelands (SA2) is projected to grow by approximately 7.5% by 2041, with an increase of 187 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 between 2016-2020 with an average of one approval per year, resulting in nine dwellings over the five-year period. This low level reflects Bourkelands' rural nature where development is driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Notably, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth due to the small number of approvals.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Bourkelands has much lower development activity with a pattern well below these standards. New building activity shows 50% detached dwellings and 50% attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordable entry pathways. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 94% houses. With around 1592 people per approval, Bourkelands indicates a mature, established area. By 2041, Bourkelands is projected to grow by 235 residents according to AreaSearch's latest 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.

Looking ahead, Bourkelands is expected to grow by 235 residents through to 2041 (from 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact this region: Rowan Village, Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct, Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct, and Active Travel Plan - Plumpton Road Section are key initiatives. The following details those most relevant.

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

Bourkelands has a skilled workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in September 2025, below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Employment grew by 4.6% over the past year. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.6% alongside labour force increasing by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, with local employment growth estimated at 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Bourkelands is $67,728 and average income is $82,615. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for 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 fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of income. 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

In Bourkelands, as per the latest Census, 94.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro NSW where 88.4% of dwellings are houses and 11.7% are other types. 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, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Bourkelands was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. 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 make up the remaining 20.5%, consisting of 18.8% lone person households and 1.7% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 26.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 18.7% and the SA3 area rate of 20.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.2% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Bourkelands shows 12 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that collectively offer 294 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 274 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bourkelands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Bourkelands residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, although higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 60% (1,868 people) of Bourkelands' total population has private health cover, compared to 51.5% across the Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.4% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 70.3% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.5% across the Rest of NSW. Bourkelands has 13.1% (411 people) of its population aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 19.6% in the Rest of NSW. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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 was found to have a cultural diversity 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, accounting for 68.3% of the population, compared to 64.3% across Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (29.2%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Indian ethnicity is overrepresented in Bourkelands at 4.0%, compared to 0.9% regionally, as are South African (0.6% vs 0.2%) and Russian (0.3% vs 0.1%) ethnicities.

Bourkelands's population is younger than the national pattern

Bourkelands's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 5-14 age cohort is notably over-represented in Bourkelands at 15.6%, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.3%. Following the Census conducted on August 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.5% to 14.6% of Bourkelands's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Bourkelands's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age group shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 108 residents to reach a total of 567 in this cohort. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.