Budgewoi

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

Budgewoi's population was estimated at 3,644 as of February 2026, reflecting a growth of 147 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a 4.2% rise from the previous count of 3,497 residents. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,566 in June 2024, which was derived from examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,306 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Budgewoi's growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA4 region's rate of 3.7%, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are utilized, 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. According to population projections, Budgewoi is expected to grow by 437 persons to 2041, reflecting a 10.7% increase 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

Budgewoi recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year, with approximately 20 homes approved between Financial Year 21 (FY-21) and FY-25. In FY-26, 3 homes have been approved so far. On average, over the past five financial years, each home built accommodates about 4.4 new residents per year.

This supply is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties in Budgewoi is $284,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, there have been $235,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Budgewoi has significantly less development activity, with 74.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

The area's established nature is also reflected in its population density of approximately 1435 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Budgewoi is forecasted to gain 389 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially exacerbating buyer competition and supporting price increases. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance as much as alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch 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, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Budgewoi faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Budgewoi has a balanced workforce that includes both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of September 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of September 2025, 1,601 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%. This is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation was lower at 56.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses showed that 23.7% of residents worked from home.

The key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Budgewoi. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports Budgewoi's median income among taxpayers is $46,680 and average is $53,433. This is lower than national averages. Greater Sydney has a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. By September 2025, with an estimated Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, Budgewoi's median income could be approximately $50,816 and average $58,167. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Budgewoi fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates the largest segment comprises 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,100 residents), similar to surrounding regions 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 differs from Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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 average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Budgewoi was $350, compared to Sydney metro'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 percent of all households, including 20.3 percent couples with children, 25.7 percent couples without children, and 15.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.2 percent, with lone person households at 33.8 percent and group households making up 3.8 percent of the total. 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 disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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 serviced by 21 different routes that collectively facilitate 522 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 137 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Budgewoi residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may be partially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 74 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment conducted on 27th March 2023. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,753 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Conversely, 60.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.2% (918 people), compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning 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 had a cultural diversity index of 89.8%, with 88.5% of residents born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.4% of Budgewoi's population, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Maltese (1.3%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.6%) populations were higher than regional averages of 1.0% and 1.3%, respectively.

Budgewoi hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Budgewoi's median age stands at 44 years, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national average of 38. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation in Budgewoi at 9.5%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.5% of Budgewoi's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Budgewoi's age profile. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 48%, increasing from 346 to 513 people. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 70% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.