Braidwood

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

Braidwood's population is estimated at around 1,762 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 42 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,720. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,748 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2025 and validation of 37 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 7.5 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's 2.4% growth since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.5%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Braidwood is forecasted to increase its population by 396 persons, reflecting a gain of 21.7% in total over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Braidwood, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Braidwood has seen around 9 new homes approved per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 45 homes were approved, with another 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this translates to about 1.8 new residents per dwelling constructed over these years. However, recent data shows an intensification to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $432,000, slightly above the regional average. This year alone, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Braidwood records about 67% of the building activity per person and places among the 33rd percentile nationally, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 508 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Braidwood adding 382 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects include Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra NSW To Victorian Border, HumeLink, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

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Employment performance in Braidwood exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Braidwood has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025865 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Braidwood is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicate that 19.4% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and construction. Braidwood shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 8.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Braidwood's labour force decreased by 4.8%, with employment declining by 4.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline, a 0.8% labour force contraction, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Braidwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Braidwood had a median taxpayer income of $48,200 and an average income of $62,571. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,174 (median) and $69,028 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Braidwood ranked modestly, between the 29th and 44th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 27.7% of locals (488 people) fell into the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing expenses, 86.6% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Braidwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Braidwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braidwood was at 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Braidwood was $345, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Braidwood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Braidwood features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.1% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Braidwood performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate of 30.9%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.1%, indicates a strong emphasis on higher education among its residents aged 15+. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.7% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 24.7%.

Educational participation is notably high at 27.8%, including 11.0% in primary education, 6.8% 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

Braidwood has 40 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that collectively provide 129 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 320 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 82%, while 16% of residents walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Braidwood are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Braidwood's health indicators show below-average results, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~910 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 12.5% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 8.3%). Meanwhile, 61.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of the latest data (2021), Braidwood has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (537 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Braidwood, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity compared to average figures. The population was predominantly Australian citizens (87.0%), born in Australia (86.4%), and speaking English exclusively at home (95.4%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 52.2% of Braidwood's residents.

Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Braidwood compared to Regional NSW, with 0.3% versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.0%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (12.7%). Some ethnicities showed significant differences: Scottish at 10.2% in Braidwood compared to 8.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.9% versus 0.5%, and French at 1.0% against 0.4%.

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood has a median age of 49, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Braidwood at 12.5%, compared to the Regional NSW average and the national figure of 6.1%. Meanwhile, individuals aged 15-24 are under-represented locally at 9.1%. Between 2021 and the present, the population of those aged 35-44 has grown from 10.6% to 12.8%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.7% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.5% to 10.3%, and the 55-64 age range dropped from 14.4% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Braidwood's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to more than double, increasing by 82 people (123%) from 66 to 149. In contrast, the numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to decrease.