Murrumbateman

Population growth drivers in Murrumbateman 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, Murrumbateman's population is estimated at around 3,825 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 218 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,607 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,690 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 194 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Murrumbateman's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 46.0% 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected. The suburb is expected to grow by 631 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Murrumbateman has experienced around 30 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 150 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per new home annually over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $720,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $538,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Murrumbateman shows 103.0% higher construction activity per person. New construction has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 117 people per dwelling approval, Murrumbateman exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Murrumbateman is projected to add 529 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Ten infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch could significantly impact a region's performance. These projects are: Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground, Barton Highway Upgrade, Sunningdale Estate, and The Fields Murrumbateman. Details about these projects are provided below for further relevance assessment.

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The exceptional employment performance in Murrumbateman places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Murrumbateman has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 2,176 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.8 percentage points below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 75.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents included public administration & safety, construction, and professional & technical services. Murrumbateman had particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.4% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas during the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.3% while employment declined by 5.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Murrumbateman. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murrumbateman's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Murrumbateman had a median taxpayer income of $76,067 and an average income of $97,269 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally, compared to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $82,807 (median) and $105,887 (average). In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Murrumbateman ranked between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprised 38.0% earning over $4,000 weekly (1,453 residents), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 29.9%. A total of 56.8% earned over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail services. After housing costs, residents retained 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

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

In Murrumbateman, as per the latest Census, 99.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling composition of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murrumbateman stood at 29.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 64.1% and rented dwellings accounting for 6.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Murrumbateman was recorded at $528, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Murrumbateman's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Murrumbateman features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 89.6% of all households, including 47.8% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 10.4%, with lone person households at 10.0% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Murrumbateman shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Murrumbateman, educational attainment is notably high, with 36.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 22.7% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 13.3% and certificates for 20.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Murrumbateman has 91 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 28 individual routes that together provide 165 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 319 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 96%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.3, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

The level of general health in Murrumbateman is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Murrumbateman shows better-than-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at about 65% of the total population (2,496 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.1% and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 69.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (485 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Murrumbateman, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a population with 85.6% born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.2% of the population. While Judaism's representation was similar to the rest of NSW at 0.1%, there were notable differences in ancestry: English (30.7%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.2%) were the top three groups.

Additionally, Croatian (1.1%), Dutch (1.8%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 1.0%, and 0.5% respectively.

Murrumbateman's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Murrumbateman is 40 years, which is modestly below the Rest of NSW's average of 43 but slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented at 16.2% in Murrumbateman, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 18.3% to 16.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Murrumbateman, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to expand by 111 people (33%) from 332 to 444.