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 was estimated at 1,908 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 188 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 10.9% rise from the previous figure of 1,720 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,795 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 8.1 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.2%) and the Rest of NSW, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. By 2041, the suburb of Braidwood is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with an expected rise of 445 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Braidwood had approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 45 homes were approved, with another 5 in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.7 new residents.

The average construction value was $432,000, slightly above the regional norm. This year, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Braidwood records about 66% of building activity per person and ranks in the 32nd percentile nationally, indicating limited property choices.

Recent development has solely comprised standalone homes, maintaining low density character with a focus on family dwellings. As of now, there are an estimated 510 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Braidwood will add 340 residents by 2041. Construction pace is steady but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

No changes were identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area's performance. Key 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.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Braidwood has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Braidwood has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of September 2025. There are 885 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is on par with Rest of NSW at 61.5%. Census responses indicate that 19.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for 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, while health care & social assistance employs just 8.0% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Braidwood's labour force decreased by 5.1%, with a 5.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes not accounting for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023. Braidwood's median taxpayer income was $48,200 and the average was $62,571. Nationally, median income was $52,390 and average was $65,215. In Rest of NSW, these figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income in Braidwood would be approximately $52,471 and average $68,115 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Braidwood ranked modestly between the 29th and 44th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution showed that 27.7% (528 people) earned between $800 - $1,499, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fell within $1,500 - $2,999. After housing costs, 86.6% of income remained for other expenses. Braidwood's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

Braidwood's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braidwood was 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Braidwood was $345, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Braidwood's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of 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 educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 30.9%, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.1%. 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 aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 24.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.0% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, 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 together offer 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living 320 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most people commute outwards. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 82% of residents, while 16% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

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

AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~986 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis (12.5%) and mental health issues (8.3%). A lower proportion, 61.2%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.7% (566 people) compared to Rest of NSW's 23.4%. 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's population was found to be relatively homogeneous culturally, with 87.0% being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 52.2% of Braidwood's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.3% compared to 0.1% across the rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (12.7%). There were also notable differences in the representation of Scottish (10.2% vs regional 8.0%), Welsh (0.9% vs 0.5%), and French (1.0% vs 0.4%) ethnicities.

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood's median age of 49 exceeds both the Rest of NSW figure at 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Locally, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 12.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 10.6% to 13.5%, while those aged 45 to 54 have declined from 12.5% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Braidwood's age structure. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to increase by 79 people (31%), rising from 257 to 336. Conversely, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to decrease by 7.