South Bathurst

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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of South Bathurst is around 1,511 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 1,583 people, marking a reduction of 72 individuals (4.5%). The current resident population estimate was derived by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 324 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. The primary driver of population growth in the suburb has been overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for covered areas. For un-covered SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 252 persons, reflecting a total gain of 16.7% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in South Bathurst is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

South Bathurst had 3 dwelling approvals annually between January 2015 and December 2019, totalling 17. This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity based on local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly with such low approval numbers.

South Bathurst shows less construction activity than the Rest of NSW. The development pattern is also below national averages, with 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium to high-density housing approved between January 2015 and December 2019. This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, differing from the area's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 622 people, reflecting South Bathurst's quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to increase by 252 residents between January 2020 and December 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 252 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.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two major projects likely impacting this region. Key initiatives include Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, Bathurst Industrial Park 4-Lot Subdivision, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, and The Gateway Bathurst. Details on the most relevant projects are listed below.

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 South Bathurst exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

South Bathurst has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 2.9% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025774 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 64.8%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Census data shows that only 9.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 2.0% of South Bathurst's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

There are 0.8 workers for each resident, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9%, with employment decreasing by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 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 a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows South Bathurst had a median taxpayer income of $48,044 and an average income of $57,943. Nationally, the averages were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,002 (median) and $63,923 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates personal income ranked at the 33rd percentile ($723 weekly) and household income at the 14th percentile. The predominant income cohort in South Bathurst, spanning 531 people or 35.2% of locals, falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels (29.9%). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

South Bathurst is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Bathurst's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Bathurst stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 28.9% and rented dwellings making up 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.

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%, consisting of 33.7% lone person households and 5.2% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

South Bathurst shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high at 30.3%, with 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 serving buses. These stops are covered by 30 different routes that together offer 275 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 101 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 health challenges in South Bathurst. AreaSearch's assessment found notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~753 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 population faces substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. South Bathurst has 18.9% residents aged 65 and over (285 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in South Bathurst is Christianity, comprising 52.1% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.3%), English (28.3%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 7.0%, compared to 4.6% regionally, Maltese is at 0.9% (vs 0.4%), and Maori is at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).

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 is strongly represented at 14.1%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 45-54 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.3% of South Bathurst's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that South Bathurst's age profile will change significantly. Leading this shift, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 83 people and reaching a total of 269 from its current figure of 185. The 65-74 group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 2%, with an increase of just 2 residents.