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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Budgewoi is $855k, with units at $640k. House values have moved 4.3% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Budgewoi has an estimated 3,629 residents, up from 3,497 at the 2021 Census — a change of 132 people, or 3.8%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. That puts 1,301 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses verified by AreaSearch following the Census, the suburb of Budgewoi has an estimated residency of 3,629 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 132 individuals (3.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,497 individuals. The variance is calculated from a resident population of 3,628, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 3 verified new addresses registered post-Census. This population translates to a density of 1,300 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure recorded across Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
The 3.8% increase in the suburb of Budgewoi since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.4%), making it a regional leader in growth. This upward trend was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 51.0% of all population increases recently, though natural growth and interstate migration also registered positive results. AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 zone, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 zones lacking this coverage, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government projections at the SA2 level, published in 2022 with a 2021 baseline. Age group growth rates from these datasets are applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic models suggest the suburb of Budgewoi will experience growth slightly underneath the median of national statistical locations, with projections pointing to an increase of 385 individuals by 2041, representing a total expansion of 10.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
29 new dwellings have been approved in Budgewoi over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building permit statistics, distributed from statistical zones, show that the suburb of Budgewoi averaged approximately 5 approved residential builds annually, totaling an estimated 29 approvals over the previous 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 8 during FY-26 so far. With an average of 4.4 new residents yearly for each finished dwelling across the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), the volume of new supply falls significantly short of demand, typically generating stronger competition among buyers and upward price pressure, even as new dwellings are built at an average value of $284,000—under the regional standard—offering more budget-friendly options.
Furthermore, commercial permits valued at $235,000 have been registered in the current financial year, representing low levels of commercial development. Relative to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Budgewoi displays a marked deficit in construction projects, tracking 62.0% below the regional average per capita. Although building pace has increased recently, this low volume of new completions generally supports demand and values for existing properties. This rate is also below the national benchmark, suggesting a mature market or potential developmental constraints. Furthermore, all new completions have consisted of single-family detached houses, maintaining the low-density suburban character of the area which draws buyers seeking extra space. The suburb of Budgewoi averages about 482 people for each dwelling permit, indicative of a fully established community. Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Budgewoi will add 384 inhabitants by 2041, relative to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, housing output may struggle to accommodate this growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and reinforcing price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Budgewoi
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 13 current infrastructure and development projects close to Budgewoi, worth an estimated $2.55 billion. 3 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional growth. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Notable regional projects include Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, Lakeside Gardens, Mixed-Use Development 139 Main Road, and Beachcomber Hotel Relaunch, with details provided below for those of greatest local relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant
A proposed seawater desalination facility adjacent to the existing Toukley Sewage Treatment Plant on Wilfred Barrett Drive, being advanced as a plan-ready drought response project under the Central Coast Water Security Plan. The reverse osmosis facility has an initial design capacity of 30 ML/day with provision for expansion up to 40 ML/day, activated only if dam storage falls below critical triggers. Central Coast Council is currently preparing the Environmental Impact Statement with specialist support from GHD.
Gorokan Waterfront Masterplan & Foreshore Revitalisation
Council-led long term revitalisation of the Gorokan foreshore along Tuggerah Lake, delivering staged improvements including foreshore public domain upgrades, shared pathways, improved lake access, landscaping, recreation facilities and supporting aquatic infrastructure. The Wallarah Point Peace Park playspace has been completed as an early stage, while broader foreshore improvements continue to be delivered progressively through Council capital works and waterways programs.
Lakeside Gardens
A mixed-use development featuring 109 residential apartments and commercial/retail space. The development will have two 11-storey buildings with resort-style landscaping, a pool, and a private jetty on the shore of Budgewoi Lake.
Mixed-Use Development 139 Main Road
A mixed-use development with two commercial units and four residential units, including Specialist Disability Accommodation and affordable rental housing.
Beachcomber Hotel Relaunch
Relaunch of Beachcomber as a 4-star, 80-room resort with bars, restaurants, function rooms, and wellness services.
Lake Munmorah Recreation Facility
A $3.81 million project to create a significant active precinct including an inclusive regional-sized playspace, a district-level skatepark and pump track, an upgraded access road and carpark, and supporting recreational infrastructure.
Toukley Town Centre Public Domain Upgrade
Upgrades to the Toukley Town Centre, including footpath improvements, landscaping, and new street furniture to improve pedestrian safety, connectivity, and visual amenity. This is part of a broader masterplan to rejuvenate the town centre.
Charmhaven Master-Planned Housing Community
A master-planned housing community at Charmhaven on the NSW Central Coast, delivering up to 2,000 single-dwelling homes, 120 ha of protected environmental green space, a new school and business park.
1,643 residents of Budgewoi are employed, from a labour force of 1,753. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, with participation at 57.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,933, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data, Budgewoi features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and 3.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of March 2026, 1,643 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The suburb of Budgewoi shows a high concentration of workers in health care & social assistance, at 1.4 times the regional standard. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 4.1% of workers compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Comparing the Census working population against the total resident workforce indicates that this heavily residential locality offers few local job opportunities. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the surrounding region, employment expanded by 3.7% over the 12-month period, while the workforce grew by 3.3%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 1.9%, the workforce expand by 1.9%, and unemployment decrease slightly. Future labor demand in the suburb of Budgewoi can be contextualized using national employment forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce distribution to project growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with substantial differences between sectors. Applying these industry trends to the occupational profile of the suburb of Budgewoi suggests local employment could grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation based purely on industry mix without adjusting for local population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Budgewoi is $1,289 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $663 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,680 a year against an average of $53,433. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on the most recent postcode-level ATO data released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the suburb of Budgewoi earn a median income of $46,680 and an average of $53,433. These figures are below the national average, and compare to a median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of roughly $51,497 (median) and $58,947 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Budgewoi rank between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationwide.
The largest income bracket is the 30.2% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,095 residents), which is very close to the wider region where 30.9% fall into this range. Affordability pressures are highly pronounced, with only 81.9% of income left over after housing costs, placing the area in the 17th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Budgewoi had 1,418 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 8% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,717 a month. Rent absorbs 27.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The composition of residential properties in the suburb of Budgewoi at the time of the last Census consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative options in the Sydney metro area. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Budgewoi were significantly higher than in Sydney metro at 37.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (32.8%) or renters (29.7%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,717, which is much lower than the Sydney metro median of $2,427, while the median weekly rent stood at $350 compared to the Sydney metro average of $470.
Across Australia, mortgage payments in the suburb of Budgewoi are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Budgewoi counted 1,418 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 62.8%, which consists of couples with children at 20.3%, couples without children at 25.7%, and single parent families at 15.6%. The remaining 37.2% are non-family households, including lone persons at 33.8% and group living situations at 3.8% of the total. The typical household size in the suburb of Budgewoi is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.3% of adults in Budgewoi hold a university qualification, including 9.9% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 79% of areas nationally. A further 34.7% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic achievement in the area faces hurdles, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (14.3%) falling far below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This indicates a clear need and opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Conversely, trade and technical training is very common, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.7%). Enrolment in study is quite strong, with 27.7% of the population presently undertaking formal education.
This comprises 9.8% in primary schools, 6.3% in high schools, and 3.7% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Budgewoi reaches 33 stops on 21 routes, timetabled for about 520 services a week. The typical home sits about 140 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of transit options shows 33 transport stops in operation within the suburb of Budgewoi, consisting of bus services. These locations are served by 21 separate routes, which combine to offer 522 passenger trips weekly. Transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 137 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 94%. Households average 1.3 vehicles. Approximately 23.7% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Average service frequency stands at 74 runs daily across all routes, which translates to roughly 15 weekly services for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.6% of residents in Budgewoi report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 7.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health statistics indicate notable difficulties for the suburb of Budgewoi, according to AreaSearch research into mortality and chronic illness rates, with significant health challenges present in both younger and older demographics. The rate of residents with private health insurance is very low at roughly 48% of the population (~1,746 people). This is below the Greater Sydney rate of 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most frequent health issues reported by residents were arthritis (11.6%) and mental health concerns (10.6%), while 60.6% of the population indicated they had no chronic medical issues, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.
The working-age demographic experiences elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.0% of the population (907 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Senior health outcomes show some challenges, with national percentiles generally matching those of the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Budgewoi is largely Australian-born, at 88.5% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.1%) and Australian (30.5%). 4.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Budgewoi exhibits lower levels of ethnic diversity, with citizens representing 89.8% of the population, 88.5% of residents born in Australia, and 96.9% of households using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 54.4% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Looking at parent birthplaces, the largest ancestry groups in the suburb of Budgewoi are English at 32.1% (well above the regional average of 19.0%), Australian at 30.5% (well above the regional average of 17.8%), and Irish at 9.4%. There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: Maltese residents account for 1.3% of the population (compared to 1.0% across the region), Australian Aboriginal residents account for 4.6% (compared to 1.3%), and Hungarian residents account for 0.3% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Budgewoi is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 23.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 44, the suburb of Budgewoi is older than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national benchmark of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 9.4% compared to Greater Sydney, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 10.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 7.9% to 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 15.2% to 13.7%. Projections indicate that the age profile in the suburb of Budgewoi will shift significantly by 2041.
The 75 to 84 group is expected to lead this trend with a 46% increase (157 people), growing from 341 to 499. The aging trend is pronounced, with seniors aged 65+ making up 72% of all projected population growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Budgewoi
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,497 at the 2021 Census → 3,629 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10639). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.