Gulgong

Population growth drivers in Gulgong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Gulgong's population is estimated at around 2,808 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 128 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,680 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,768 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Gulgong's 4.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 47.0% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected for Gulgong (SA2), with an expected increase of 623 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 21.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Gulgong recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Gulgong averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 27 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY26. Assuming an average of 5 new residents per new home built over these five years, demand has significantly exceeded supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $687,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, there have been $458,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Gulgong has significantly less development activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has recently intensified. This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 327 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Population forecasts suggest Gulgong will gain 601 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Five projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Improving Water Security for Mudgee and Gulgong, Proposed Subdivision 1 into 6 Lots, Flirtation Hill Lane, Millennium Estate, and Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Gulgong ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Gulgong's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in September 2025.

This rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Gulgong is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Leading employment industries are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has particularly high representation, with employment levels at 8.1 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.2% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Gulgong's labour force decreased by 2.8%, while employment declined by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gulgong's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Gulgong's median income among taxpayers was $46,646 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $60,696 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,779 (median) and $66,074 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gulgong all fall between the 19th and 25th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of income earners comprises 30.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (867 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

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

Gulgong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gulgong stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,495, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Gulgong was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Gulgong's mortgage repayments were substantially lower at $1,495 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Gulgong features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.4% of all households, including 26.3% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent among residents aged 15+, with 45.3% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (37.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gulgong has 80 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together offer 130 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located 237 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Gulgong is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Gulgong, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Only approximately 51% (~1,430 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.2% of residents) and asthma (9.4%). A majority, 64.3%, report being free from medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in the Rest of NSW. Gulgong has 21.7% of its population aged 65 and over (609 people), lower than the 23.1% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Gulgong, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 90.1% citizens, 92.7% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 60.4%, slightly higher than the regional average of 59.9%. Top ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (33.3%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notable differences included Australian Aboriginal at 5.7% (vs 4.9%), Maltese at 1.0% (vs 0.5%), and German at 3.4% (vs 2.8%).

Gulgong's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Gulgong is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 5-14 age group is notably higher at 15.2% locally, while the 45-54 age group is lower at 10.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.3% to 10.9%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Gulgong. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 90 people (24%), from 379 to 470, while the 55-64 group is expected to grow more modestly at 10%, adding only 32 residents.