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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Oberon as of Feb 2026 is around 3,392. This reflects an increase of 73 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,319 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,296 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 18.1 persons per square kilometer. Oberon's 2.2% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 207 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Oberon according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Oberon shows approximately 13 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 65 homes. In FY26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is 0.5.

New construction matches or outpaces demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $601,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $2.1 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Oberon shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person but places among the 64th percentile nationally when measured against assessed areas. New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Oberon reflects a low density area with around 223 people per approval. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate show Oberon adding 157 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Bracken Estate, Oberon, Paling Yards Wind Farm, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy are key projects, with the following details highlighting 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,718 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 64.5%. Census responses indicate that a low 8.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Oberon specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level, but has a lower proportion in health care & social assistance at 11.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.9%, alongside a 4.3% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with a similar unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oberon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

In financial year 2023, Oberon's median taxpayer income was $49,055 and the average was $58,114. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,401 (median) and $63,263 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Oberon's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 21st and 30th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant with 31.2% of residents (1,058 people), similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Oberon, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Oberon was 41.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.2%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330 and 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (32.2%). Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, 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 serviced by 15 different routes that collectively provide 193 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Oberon being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

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, equating to approximately 2 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. AreaSearch's assessment found mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence to be high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,694 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively. 61.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of June 2021, the area has 26.5% of residents aged 65 and over (898 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Rest of 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 87.0% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Oberon is Christianity, which constitutes 66.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (31.2%), English (30.9%), and Irish (10.6%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations in Oberon compared to regional averages: Australian Aboriginal at 4.1% (vs 4.6%), Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.3%), and South African at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).

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

At 47 years, Oberon's median age is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up a particularly prominent group at 10.8%, while those aged 35-44 are comparatively smaller at 10.2% than in Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of Oberon's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 8.9% to 10.8%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has declined from 14.6% to 12.2%, and the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 12.7% to 11.4%. By 2041, Oberon is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by 65 people to reach 196 from 118. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.