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 Budgewoi statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 3,644 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 147 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,497 people in the area. This growth represents a 4.2% increase from the previous census figure. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 3,566 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio in Budgewoi as of November 2025 is 1,306 persons per square kilometer. This figure exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Budgewoi's growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.7%, making it a growth leader in the region during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. For population projections moving forward, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Looking ahead to 2041, the Budgewoi (SA2) is expected to grow by 434 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an increase of 10.5% in total population over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

Budgewoi recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 20 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 4.4 new residents were estimated for every home built during these years.

This supply lagged demand significantly, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $284,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $235,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Budgewoi had significantly less development activity, at 74.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Additionally, this activity was under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Budgewoi comprised detached dwellings, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 1435 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Budgewoi will gain 384 residents by 2041, based on 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 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, Lakeside Gardens, Mixed-Use Development at 139 Main Road, and Beachcomber Hotel Relaunch.

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

Budgewoi's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation from essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.5% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 1,610 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is 1.8 percentage points higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. The workforce participation rate in Budgewoi is 50.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force grew by 3.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25 indicate that employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this extrapolation does not consider localized population projections.

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 shows Budgewoi's median income among taxpayers is $46,680. The average income in the suburb is $53,433. Nationally, these figures are lower than average. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Budgewoi as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,816 (median) and $58,167 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Budgewoi fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Budgewoi, with only 81.9% of income remaining, 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). This compares 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, below Sydney metro's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent in Budgewoi was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Budgewoi's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 comprise the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households making up 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%). 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

Transport analysis indicates 33 active transport stops operating within Budgewoi, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 21 individual routes, collectively facilitating 522 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 137 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 74 trips per day across all routes, translating 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 have high prevalence rates of common health conditions. Only approximately 48% (~1753 people) of Budgewoi residents have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 50.4%.

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. However, 60.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 61.5%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.3% (885 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line 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'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. The predominant religion in Budgewoi is Christianity, which comprises 54.4% of the population, compared to 56.2% 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%, compared to regional figures of 1.0%, 4.5%, and 0.2% respectively.

Budgewoi hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Budgewoi has a median age of 44, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.2% of Budgewoi's population, compared to Greater Sydney's figure, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.2%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Budgewoi's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 53%, reaching 512 people from the current 335. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 78% of this growth, with the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts experiencing population declines.