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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Bowenfels is around 2,165. This reflects an increase of 116 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,049. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,149 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 99 persons per square kilometer. Bowenfels's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA4 region (2.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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, over this period, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 57 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to increase by 26 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 approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average construction cost value of new properties is $431,000, aligning with regional patterns.

In FY-26, $172,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bowenfels has significantly reduced construction levels, 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Bowenfels' low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a shift from the current housing mix of 91.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population density is 1346 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment.

With stable or declining population projections, Bowenfels is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Bowenfels has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include 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 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, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 10.2%.

The local rate is 6.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is lower at 40.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Bowenfels has a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share four times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.0% and employment declined by 9.2%, leading to a 4.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bowenfels' employment mix indicates 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 2022 shows Bowenfels had a median income among taxpayers of $39,759 and an average of $50,119. These figures are lower than the national averages. The Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,773 (median) and $56,439 (average). The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bowenfels fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. In Bowenfels, 30.5% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 weekly, while this band is less prevalent regionally where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. A significant portion, 44.3%, of Bowenfels residents earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bowenfels, with only 80.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, 91.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure, which also had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bowenfels stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Bowenfels was $185, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Bowenfels' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,560 versus 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 constitute 60.9% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 30.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Bowenfels has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 303 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Bowenfels is considered excellent due to its accessibility; residents on average live just 82 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 43 trips per day across all routes, 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 impacting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,013 people, compared to 50.8% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (11.2%).

Conversely, 57.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. As of the latest data, Bowenfels has 21.5% of its population aged 65 and over, totaling 465 people, which is lower than the 23.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader 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 per the survey conducted on 30 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population composition was predominantly Australian citizens at 85.7%, with 90.3% born in Australia and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 59.0% of the population, compared to the regional figure of 59.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (30.6%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was higher at 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Lebanese and Scottish populations also showed significant differences, with 0.6% in Bowenfels versus 0.1% regionally for Lebanese, and 8.0% versus 7.9% for Scottish.

Bowenfels hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.1%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.6%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, Bowenfels' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 18%, adding 13 residents to reach a total of 87. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 90% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decline.