Bowenfels

Bowenfels is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Bowenfels statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,066 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 17 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,049. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,032 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 94 persons per square kilometer. The Bowenfels (SA2) has shown competitive growth fundamentals, with its 0.8% growth since census positioning it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's 2.6%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 53 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 35 to 44 age group are anticipated to increase by 27 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bowenfels shows around 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 23 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. This rate likely keeps up with demand due to population decline, offering buyers good choice while new properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000, moderately above regional levels. In FY-26, $1.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial activity.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Bowenfels shows reduced construction (51.0% below regional average per person), reinforcing demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also under the national average. New building activity comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across price ranges. This reflects a change from the current housing mix (91.0% houses) due to reduced development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 807 people, indicating low activity development. With stable or declining population projections, Bowenfels should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 6 projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Notable among these are Lithgow Council Subdivision 47 Allotments, Lithgow Area Resignalling (Stage 2), Bowenfels Rail Viaducts, and Great Western Highway Upgrade Program (West Section: Little Hartley to Lithgow). The following details those projects deemed most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Bowenfels has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 11.3%, higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

There are 657 employed residents, with an unemployment rate that is 7.5% above the regional average. Workforce participation in Bowenfels lags at 40.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Mining shows strong specialization with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has a lower representation at 0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.1% and employment declined by 10.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 4.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bowenfels's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bowenfels' median taxpayer income is $39,759 and average is $50,119. This is lower than the national average. Rest of NSW has a median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest Bowenfels' median income will be approximately $43,282 and average $54,560, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. The 2021 Census reports that incomes in Bowenfels fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 earnings band captures 30.5% of residents (630 individuals), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 44.3% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Bowenfels, as per the latest Census data, 91.0% of dwellings were houses with 9.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling structures. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's distribution of house ownership at 91.0%. Homeownership in Bowenfels stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 24.1% and rented dwellings making up 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Bowenfels was recorded at $185, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Bowenfels' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bowenfels features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 60.9% of all households, including 21.0% that are couples with children, 19.7% that are couples without children, and 18.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

The educational profile of Bowenfels exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 9.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high at 32.0%, with 12.7% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bowenfels has 49 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together offer 308 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 73 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 44 trips per day, which equates to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bowenfels is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bowenfels faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~967 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 51.8% and the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent, impacting 11.3% and 11.2% respectively.

Around 57.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. Bowenfels has 21.5% (444 people) aged 65 and over, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 23.1%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror those of the general population.

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

Bowenfels, as of the latest data, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 85.7% holding citizenship. Born in Australia, 90.3% of residents were native to the country.

English was spoken at home by 94.2%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 59.0%, slightly higher than the 59.9% regional average. Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.8%), English (30.6%), and Irish (8.2%) were the top three groups. Notable differences existed in certain ethnicities: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to the regional 4.9%. Lebanese residents stood at 0.6%, higher than the regional 0.1%. Scottish ancestry was also notable, with 8.0% compared to the region's 7.9%.

Bowenfels's median age exceeds the national pattern

Bowenfels's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.3% of Bowenfels' population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.1%, lower than the Rest of NSW percentage. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group increased from 10.6% to 11.6% of Bowenfels' population between the previous census and 2021. During this period, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bowenfels' age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 24%, adding 16 residents to reach a total of 87. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 65% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decline.