Mudgee

Population growth drivers in Mudgee are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Mudgee is estimated at around 11,551 people. This reflects an increase of 94 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,457 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,379, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 436 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mudgee has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected for Mudgee, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,122 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mudgee when compared nationally

Mudgee recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Approximately 258 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents arrived per new home annually during this period, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $418,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, there were $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Mudgee's primarily residential nature. Construction rates per person in Mudgee are similar to those in Rest of NSW, maintaining market equilibrium.

However, construction activity has recently intensified. Of new building activity, 73.0% consisted of detached dwellings and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character. With around 152 people per dwelling approval, Mudgee exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mudgee is expected to grow by approximately 2,246 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mudgee has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may affect this region. Notable ones include Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, Logan Estate, Short Street Residential Development, and Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Mudgee exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mudgee has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.6%. This is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is higher at 70.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

Based on Census responses, a low 6.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mudgee has a strong specialization in mining with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.3%, and employment decreased by 4.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mudgee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mudgee's median income among taxpayers is $49,407. The average income in the suburb is $65,356. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mudgee's median income would be approximately $53,784 as of September 2025, with the average being around $71,147. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Mudgee rank modestly, between the 43rd and 46th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 33.4% of the community earns within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (3,858 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mudgee, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile.

Mudgee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Mudgee, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee was at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 36.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $360 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Mudgee's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $360 than the national figure of $375.

Mudgee has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (33.7%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, comprising primary education (11.3%), secondary education (7.3%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 176 active transport stops operating within Mudgee. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 39 individual routes collectively providing 410 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 138 metres from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 6.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Mudgee is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mudgee faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~6,097 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 9.1% of residents, while asthma affects 8.9%. Sixty-six point two percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Eighteen point seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2,160 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Mudgee is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mudgee's population is predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 90.3% being Australian citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 56.9%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Ancestry-wise, Australians make up 32.2%, followed by English (32.0%) and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are more prevalent in Mudgee at 5.3% than regionally at 4.6%. Maltese and Samoan populations also slightly exceed regional averages, with 0.5% and 0.1% respectively.

Mudgee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mudgee's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort was notably over-represented in Mudgee at 14.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds were under-represented at 9.0%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.4% to 14.4% of Mudgee's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Mudgee's age profile will change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 479 residents to reach a total of 2,143. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 3%, with an increase of 42 residents.