Buxton (NSW)

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

As of Nov 2025, Buxton's population is estimated at around 2,696. This reflects an increase of 625 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,071. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,605 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 210 persons per square kilometer. Buxton's growth of 30.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (6.7%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, a significant population increase is forecasted for Buxton (NSW), with an expected expansion of 610 persons by 2041 reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Buxton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Buxton has seen around 33 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 168 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved in FY26 to date. Each year, an average of 2.1 people have moved to the area per new home constructed during this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $335,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $116,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Relative to Greater Sydney, Buxton maintains similar development levels per person, consistent with the broader area's market balance. This is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character while addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 54 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Buxton is projected to grow by 264 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Buxton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Tahmoor South Coal Project, Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line, Outer Sydney Metropolitan Correctional Precinct, and South Pacific Offshore Wind Project are key initiatives, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

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.

Employment conditions in Buxton demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Buxton has a balanced workforce with diverse employment types. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.0% and estimated employment growth of 5.2% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 1,434 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 67.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction employment share is 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 5.2%, labour force by 5.1%, with unemployment remaining stable (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest future demand within Buxton. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment projected to increase by 5.8%. Over ten years, national employment growth is 13.7%, while Buxton's is estimated at 12.4% (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Buxton had median taxpayer income of $54,317 and average income of $64,563 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This was inline with national averages, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,166 (median) and $72,704 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Buxton clustered around the 55th percentile nationally. The earnings profile showed that the predominant cohort spanned 41.3% of locals (1,113 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 30.9% similarly occupied this range. High housing costs consumed 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Buxton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Buxton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buxton stood at 24.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.0% and rented ones at 13.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,102, below the Sydney metro average of $2,318. The median weekly rent in Buxton was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $415. Nationally, Buxton's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,102 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 by $35.

Buxton features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 82.8 percent of all households, including 41.6 percent couples with children, 27.1 percent couples without children, and 13.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.2 percent, with lone person households at 15.2 percent and group households comprising 1.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Buxton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 38.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.4% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Buxton Public School serves the local area, enrolling 144 students as of a recent date. The school caters to typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 954) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, while secondary options are available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 5.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Buxton has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together offer 144 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 194 meters.

On average, there are 20 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buxton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Buxton shows relatively positive health outcomes with a low prevalence of common conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average among older and at-risk groups.

Approximately 52% (~1,414 people) of Buxton residents have private health cover, slightly above the average for SA2 areas. The most prevalent medical conditions in Buxton are mental health issues (9.0%) and asthma (8.6%), while 68.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 68.7%. Buxton has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.9% (266 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 16.5%. However, health outcomes among Buxton's senior population require more attention than those in the broader community.

The latest Census data sees Buxton placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Buxton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.6% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Buxton is Christianity, accounting for 54.5% of the population, compared to 63.0% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (34.3%), English (29.9%), and Irish (6.6%).

Notably, Maltese, Dutch, and South African ethnicities have higher representations in Buxton than regionally: Maltese at 1.6% vs 2.3%, Dutch at 1.6% vs 1.0%, and South African at 0.6% vs 0.3%.

Buxton's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Buxton's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Buxton has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.1%). According to the post-2021 Census data, the age group of 35-44 has increased from 12.4% to 13.7%, while the age group of 45-54 has declined from 14.1% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Buxton's age profile will change significantly. The strongest projected growth is in the 15-24 age group, with a 14% increase adding 54 residents to reach 454. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.