Mudgee

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

As of Feb 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 (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 in Mudgee. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Mudgee has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, 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 any SA2 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected for Mudgee, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,002 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mudgee recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 260 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 13 more approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive annually per new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $418,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Mudgee's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mudgee maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite recent activity intensification.

New building activity comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space, with around 151 people per dwelling approval. Mudgee is expected to grow by approximately 1,830 residents through to 2041, as per AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to keep pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting this region. Notable initiatives include Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, Logan Estate, Short Street Residential Development, and Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate. Below is a 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 performance in Mudgee exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mudgee has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 6,099 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Mudgee is high at 69.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses show that only 6.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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, but health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.2% of its workforce compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

There appears to be limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Mudgee's labour force decreased by 2.5%, with employment decreasing by 3.6%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mudgee's median income among taxpayers is $49,407. The average income in the suburb is $65,356. This places Mudgee's incomes just below the national average. In comparison, Regional 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 by September 2025, with the average reaching around $71,147 during the same period. Census 2021 data reveals that incomes in Mudgee rank modestly, between the 43rd and 46th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile indicates that 33.4% of Mudgee's community falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band (3,858 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures in Mudgee are severe, 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudege was at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 36.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Mudgee's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Regional NSW average.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.1% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 42.7% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.0%, while certificates make up 33.7%. Educational participation is 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

The analysis of public transport in Mudgee indicates that there are 176 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 39, providing a weekly passenger trip count of 410. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 138 meters from their nearest transport stop. As it is primarily a residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 93%, while walking accounts for 5%.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Mudgee. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 6.9% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages at approximately 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanying the analysis shows the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~6,097 people). Mental health issues impact 9.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.9%. Sixty-six point two percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Nineteen point two percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2,217 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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 cultural diversity was below average, with 90.3% citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 56.9%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (32.0%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.3% in Mudgee versus 4.6% regionally, Maltese at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Samoan at 0.1%.

Mudgee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mudgee is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.7% of the population in Mudgee, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.4%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Mudgee, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to grow by 25% (409 people), reaching 2,073 from 1,663. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 0% (3 people).