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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
South Bathurst 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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of South Bathurst is around 1,576, a decrease of 7 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,583. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,547 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of one new address since the Census date. The population density is approximately 338 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in South Bathurst. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.
These projections indicate an above median population growth for Australia's regional areas, with South Bathurst expected to increase by 277 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.7% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in South Bathurst is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
South Bathurst has seen minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 17. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to such low approval numbers.
South Bathurst shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of NSW, with development levels well below national averages. New building activity consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population density is 621 people per dwelling approval, reflecting South Bathurst's quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 248 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Population forecasts indicate South Bathurst will gain 248 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
South Bathurst 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 two major projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, Bathurst Industrial Park 4-Lot Subdivision, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, and The Gateway Bathurst. Below is a list of those most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission Project
Australia's first coordinated Renewable Energy Zone transmission project. It involves the delivery of 90km of 500kV and 150km of 330kV transmission lines, along with energy hubs at Merotherie and Elong Elong. The project will initially unlock 4.5 GW of network capacity, increasing to 6 GW by 2038. ACEREZ (Acciona, Cobra, Endeavour Energy) is the Network Operator responsible for design, construction, and 35 years of maintenance. Major construction is currently ramping up with a 1,200-bed workforce camp at Merotherie and a 600-bed site at Cassilis supporting thousands of local jobs.
Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Network
Major transmission infrastructure project involving the design, construction, and operation of new 500kV and 330kV transmission lines to connect the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to the National Electricity Market. The project includes network upgrades and new substations centered around Dubbo, Dunedoo, and Mudgee, connecting to the existing grid near Wollar and Mount Piper. It will unlock at least 4.5GW of new network capacity by the late 2020s.
Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
Australia's first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), covering 20,000 square kilometres centered around Dubbo and Dunedoo. The project involves constructing 90km of 500kV and 150km of 330kV transmission lines, plus new energy hubs at Merotherie and Elong Elong. It will unlock 4.5 GW of initial network capacity, supporting up to 7.7 GW of solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Construction began in mid-2025 and is expected to power over 2.7 million homes while attracting up to $25 billion in private investment.
Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment
The $200 million Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment is a major healthcare upgrade delivering a mix of new-build expansions and refurbishments. Key clinical enhancements include an expanded Emergency Department, enhanced Maternity services with a Special Care Nursery, and a new non-acute mental health inpatient unit known as Panorama Clinic. The project also provides improved inpatient and outpatient services, additional operating theatres, expanded cardiology, a new paediatrics zone, and a new main entry on Mitre Street. The redevelopment includes over 70 additional car parking spaces and is designed with a strong Connection to Country, featuring light-filled spaces and improved access to Victoria Park.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
State-wide NSW planning reforms to enable diverse low and mid-rise housing, including dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings up to 6 storeys. The policy applies to residential zones within 800m of 171 nominated transport hubs and town centres. Stage 1 (dual occupancies) commenced 1 July 2024, and Stage 2 (mid-rise apartments and terraces) commenced 28 February 2025. In June 2025, further amendments adjusted aircraft noise thresholds and clarified storey definitions to expand the policy's reach. The initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 112,000 additional homes by 2030.
The Gateway Bathurst
The Gateway Bathurst is a 27-hectare landmark mixed-use commercial and business precinct located in Kelso, featuring 1 kilometre of frontage to the Great Western Highway. The development is being delivered in multiple stages, with Stage 1 focused on quick-service restaurants, a service station, and childcare. Subsequent stages include large-format retail, vehicle showrooms, and light industrial services. Operational tenants include Metro Petroleum, Imagine Childcare, Oporto, and KFC, with major retail additions such as Harvey Norman, Beacon Lighting, and Rebel Sport under development or recently opened.
Central West Pumped Hydro Project
The Central West Pumped Hydro Project is a proposed 325 MW pumped hydro energy storage facility located in Yetholme, NSW, between Bathurst and Lithgow. The facility has an eight-hour, 2,600 MWh storage capacity and a reservoir capacity of three gigalitres. The project will store energy during periods of surplus electricity generation and generate during high demand, supporting renewable energy integration and powering over 153,000 homes. The project includes grid connection and ancillary infrastructure, and will create 200 construction jobs and 30 ongoing jobs.
Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal
Proposed intermodal transport facility to improve freight logistics and connectivity for the Central West region. Terminal will handle rail and road freight transfers, supporting regional economic development and reducing transport costs for local businesses.
Employment
Employment performance in South Bathurst exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators
South Bathurst has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.6%. The area's unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is higher at 66.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.
According to Census responses, 9.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. South Bathurst shows strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.0% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.
The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1%, with employment decreasing by 2.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 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 South Bathurst's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows South Bathurst had a median taxpayer income of $48,044 and an average income of $57,943. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $52,301 and average income is around $63,077. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 33rd percentile with a weekly income of $723, while household income sits at the 14th percentile. The predominant income cohort in South Bathurst spans 35.2% of locals (554 people), earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the regional level of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 14th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
South Bathurst is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In South Bathurst, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Bathurst stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged properties at 28.9% and rented dwellings at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,394, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in South Bathurst was $310 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, South Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,394 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $310.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
South Bathurst features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 61.6% of all households, including 16.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 17.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 5.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
South Bathurst shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
The area's university qualification rate stands at 20.5%, 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 university qualifications, held by 14.2% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 4.1% and 2.2% respectively.
Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 38.3% holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 9.3%, while certificates make up 29.0%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
South Bathurst has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 different routes that together facilitate 275 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 101 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport used by residents at a rate of 95%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in South Bathurst, which is lower than the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages at 39 trips per day, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in South Bathurst is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Health data indicates significant challenges for South Bathurst. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.
Approximately 50% (~786 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (12.2%) and mental health issues (10.8%), with 58.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable chronic condition rates. South Bathurst has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (277 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
South Bathurst is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
South Bathurst had a cultural diversity level below average, with 91.0% citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.1%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (28.3%), and Irish (11.1%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.0% (vs regional 4.6%), Maltese at 0.9% (vs 0.4%), and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
South Bathurst's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
South Bathurst's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.9% of South Bathurst's population, higher than Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 14.9%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, South Bathurst's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 43%, adding 81 people and reaching 271 from 189. The 65-74 group is anticipated to grow by 1%, with an increase of just 1 resident.