Mudgee

Population growth drivers in Mudgee 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, the estimated population of Mudgee as of Nov 2025 is around 11,043 people. This reflects a decrease of 414 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,457 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,821 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 417 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. 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 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,129 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mudgee averaged around 49 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 245 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. The average construction value for new homes in Mudgee is $418,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mudgee shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends. Recent construction comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature.

The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mudgee is expected to grow by 2,762 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mudgee has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Kandos to Gulgong Rail Line Reinstatement, Logan Estate, Short Street Residential Development, and Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate. The following list details those likely 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. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 2.2%.

The area had an unemployment rate 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, with workforce participation at 62.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has a particularly high specialization in the area, with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.2% compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, accompanied by a 3.2% decrease in employment, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.1% employment decline and 0.3% labour force growth, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Mudgee. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mudgee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 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 localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Mudgee is approximately average nationally. The median assessed income is $49,407 while the average income stands at $65,356. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Mudgee would be approximately $55,637 (median) and $73,597 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Mudgee rank modestly, between the 43rd and 46th percentiles. The data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.4% of residents (3,688 people), mirroring the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mudgee, with only 84.4% of income remaining, 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

In Mudgee, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.7% of dwellings were houses, with 15.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mudgee stood at 30.9%, with mortgaged properties at 32.6% and rented dwellings at 36.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. Weekly rent in Mudgee was recorded at $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Mudgee's median monthly 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 higher-than-average 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 account for the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 17.9%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (13.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 33.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education. Mudgee's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,963 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 935). Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.8 places per 100 residents vs 13.8 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Mudgee has 188 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 36 routes in total, offering 378 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 131 meters to the nearest stop. Services run frequently, with an average of 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per individual stop.

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, 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 (~5829 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Mudgee, impacting 9.1% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point two percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Rest of NSW. Eighteen point seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2065 people), which is lower than the 23.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Mudgee had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mudgee, accounting for 56.9% of the population, compared to 59.9% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Mudgee were Australian (32.2%), English (32.0%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher than the regional average at 5.3%, while Maltese and Samoan representations remained similar to the regional averages at 0.5% and 0.1% respectively.

Mudgee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mudgee is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of 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 Mudgee's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.0%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.2% of Mudgee's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Mudgee. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 576 people, reaching a total of 2,145 from the previous figure of 1,568. In contrast, the 65 to 74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 9%, with an increase of 92 people.