Budgewoi

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

The population of the suburb of Budgewoi is estimated to be around 3,629 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 132 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,497 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,628 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,300 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Budgewoi's growth rate of 3.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 385 persons to reach a total population of 4,012 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.6% over the 16-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 in Budgewoi shows approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY25, totalling around 20 homes. In FY26 to date, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25 is 4.4. This indicates demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $284,000, under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $235,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Budgewoi records significantly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Budgewoi's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1424 people per approval, Budgewoi shows a mature, established area. Population forecasts indicate Budgewoi will gain approximately 384 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Budgewoi has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, Lakeside Gardens, Mixed-Use Development at 139 Main Road, and Beachcomber Hotel Relaunch. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Budgewoi shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Budgewoi has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 6.0%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. The unemployment rate in Budgewoi is 1.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Budgewoi lags behind Greater Sydney at 57.0% compared to 68.8%. According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employment levels are particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented with only 4.1% of Budgewoi's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, while labour force increased by 3.6%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Budgewoi. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income in Budgewoi suburb is $46,680 and average income is $53,433. This is below Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $51,497 (median) and $58,947 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Budgewoi fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal that 30.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 81.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

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

In Budgewoi, as per the latest Census, 88.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where 55.9% of dwellings are houses and 44.1% are other types. 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's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Budgewoi was $350, compared to Sydney's $470. Nationally, Budgewoi's mortgage repayments were below the Australian 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.7.

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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.7%).

Educational participation is high at 27.7%, comprising primary education (9.8%), secondary education (6.3%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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, offering a total of 522 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 137 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most Budgewoi residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 74 trips are made daily, equating to around 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 AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Only approximately 48% (~1746 people) of Budgewoi's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Budgewoi, affecting 11.6% and 10.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The working-age population in Budgewoi faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 25.0% (907 people) of Budgewoi's residents are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. While health outcomes among seniors in Budgewoi present some challenges, they generally align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Budgewoi's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Budgewoi, comprising 54.4% of people, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups in Budgewoi are English (32.1%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Maltese is overrepresented at 1.3%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.6%, and Hungarian at 0.3%.

Budgewoi hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Budgewoi has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.4% of Budgewoi's population, compared to 7.9% in Greater Sydney, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.9% to 9.4%, and the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.2% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Budgewoi's age profile. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 46%, reaching 499 people from the current 341. Those aged 65 and above will account for 72% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decline in population.