Braidwood

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Braidwood's population is estimated at around 1,908 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 188 people (10.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,720 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,795 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8.1 persons per square kilometer. Braidwood's 10.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 419 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 in Braidwood shows 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 an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents per year over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $432,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $5.0 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Braidwood records about 66% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining Braidwood's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 509 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Braidwood will add 306 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, although buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

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

No infrastructure changes significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this area. Major initiatives 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. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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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 and an unemployment rate of 2.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025881 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 59.2%.

According to Census responses, 19.4% of residents work from home. Key industries include public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and construction. Public administration & safety employs 1.6 times the regional level but health care & social assistance is lower at 8.0%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 4.6%, employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2% and unemployment rose by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Braidwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In financial year 2023, 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. In Regional NSW, these figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Braidwood's median income will be approximately $52,471 and the average will be around $68,115, accounting for an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Braidwood rank modestly, between the 29th and 44th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Braidwood is 27.7% (528 people) earning $800 - 1,499, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% earn $1,500 - 2,999. After housing expenses, 86.6% of income remains for other costs. Braidwood's SEIFA income ranking places 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 at the latest Census comprised 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Braidwood's home ownership rate was 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Braidwood was $1,700, below 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 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 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 constitute 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, 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 30.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 24.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 24.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 together facilitate 129 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 320 meters, indicating good accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, 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 Braidwood residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 18 trips per day, resulting in 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 outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, which consists of about 986 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, affecting 12.5% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 8.3%. Conversely, 61.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 29.8% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising 568 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 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of 73.5, indicating below average diversity. The population was predominantly Australian-born (86.4%), with English being the only language spoken at home for 95.4% of residents. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 52.2% of the population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Braidwood compared to Regional NSW, comprising 0.3% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (12.7%). Other ethnicities with notable divergences included Scottish at 10.2% (regional average: 8.0%), Welsh at 0.9% (regional average: 0.5%), and French at 1.0% (regional average: 0.4%).

Braidwood ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Braidwood's median age is 49, surpassing Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Braidwood has a notably higher percentage of people aged 75-84 (12.2%) while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly above the national average 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 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Braidwood's age structure. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 77 people (30%), increasing from 257 to 335. Conversely, the number of people aged 55 to 64 is expected to decrease by 20.