Oberon

Oberon is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Oberon is around 3,331. This figure represents an increase of 12 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,319. The latest resident population estimate of 3,331 was derived from AreaSearch's examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of 58 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 17.8 persons per square kilometer. Oberon's growth rate of 0.4% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 2.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, it is projected that the suburb of Oberon's population will increase by just below the median of national regional areas. Specifically, the area is expected to expand by 172 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 5.2%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Oberon, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Oberon has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 65 homes. As of FY26, 13 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $601,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Oberon shows 12.0% lower construction activity per person while placing among the 64th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 220 people per approval. Future projections estimate Oberon to add 172 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand. This creates favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one project expected to affect this region: Bracken Estate, Oberon; Paling Yards Wind Farm; Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements; Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy are key projects, with the following 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 Oberon exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Oberon maintains a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, contributing to an unemployment rate of 2.4%. As of December 2025, 1701 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.1% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.8%, accompanied by a 3.5% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.8% labour force decline with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Oberon's employment mix indicates local employment growth of 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023, the suburb of Oberon had a median income among taxpayers of $49,055 with the average level standing at $58,114. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,117 (median) and $64,111 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Oberon, between the 21st and 30th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (1,039 people), mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing, 86.0% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 24th percentile nationally.

Oberon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Oberon's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oberon stood at 41.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 28.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Oberon was $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Oberon's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, 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 most prevalent at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 8.5% and certificates make up 32.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oberon has 88 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 193 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing just 215 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards for work or other purposes. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while 5% walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Oberon.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Oberon faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,663 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 61.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.3% of residents aged 65 and over (909 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Oberon ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Oberon's population shows low cultural diversity, with 84.4% being citizens, 87.0% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 66.8%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.2%), English (30.9%), and Irish (10.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (4.1%) Maori (0.6%), and South Australian (0.5%) populations exceed regional averages of 4.6%, 0.3%, and 0.2% respectively.

Oberon hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Oberon's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years are particularly prominent, making up 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is smaller at 10.5%. Since 2021, there has been a growth in the 75-84 age group from 8.9% to 11.1%, while the 65-74 age group has declined from 14.6% to 12.7% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.5%. By 2041, Oberon's demographic is expected to shift notably, with the 85+ age group growing by 66%, reaching 194 people from 116. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.