Budgewoi

Budgewoi has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Budgewoi's population is estimated at around 3,589 people. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,497 people. The estimated resident population (ERP) for Budgewoi was 3,532 as of June 2024, according to AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ABS ERP data release. This increase is attributed to an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Budgewoi stands at approximately 1,286 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Between the 2021 Census and November 2025, Budgewoi's population grew by around 92 people (2.6%), placing it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.1%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 51% of overall population gains during recent periods in Budgewoi, although all drivers of growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Budgewoi, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to Budgewoi for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, Budgewoi is expected to grow by approximately 426 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 12% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Budgewoi had approximately 5 residential properties approved per year. Between FY21-FY25, around 25 homes were approved, with 2 more in FY26 so far.

On average, each home built over these years accommodated about 3.5 new residents. This supply lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average cost of $284,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. Compared to Greater Sydney, Budgewoi had significantly lower building activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supported stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Nationally, this activity was also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent development comprised entirely detached dwellings, sustaining Budgewoi's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With around 652 people per approval, the area shows signs of maturity and establishment. Population forecasts indicate Budgewoi will gain approximately 431 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

No infrastructure projects were identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. The key projects are Central Coast Desalination Plant, Lakeside Gardens, Mixed-Use Development at 139 Main Road, and Beachcomber Hotel Relaunch.

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

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The labour market performance in Budgewoi lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Budgewoi has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area, with an unemployment rate of 6.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. Residents in work numbered 1,593 by June 2025, while the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 50.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, health care & social assistance employment levels are at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.1% of Budgewoi's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, and labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Budgewoi. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Budgewoi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Budgewoi is below the national average. The median assessed income is $46,680 and the average income stands at $53,433. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,566 (median) and $60,171 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Budgewoi all fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.2% of the community (1,083 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Budgewoi's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Budgewoi stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,717, lower than Sydney metro's $1,900. Median weekly rent in Budgewoi was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Budgewoi's mortgage repayments were below the average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.8% of all households, including 20.3% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Budgewoi shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.7%). Current educational participation is high at 27.7%, comprising primary (9.8%), secondary (6.3%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

Educational facilities seem 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

Budgewoi has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together offer 495 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 137 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 70 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Budgewoi is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Budgewoi faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, affecting around 1,727 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Around 60.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 61.5%. Budgewoi has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.3%, or 872 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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

Budgewoi had a lower cultural diversity, with 89.8% citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.4%, compared to 56.2% in Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Maltese had a higher representation at 1.3% (vs regional 1.0%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% (vs 4.5%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Budgewoi has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 9.2% of Budgewoi's population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 35-44 cohort comprises 10.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.2%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Budgewoi's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 54%, reaching 510 people from the current 330. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 75% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.