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

The population of South Bathurst, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the Census, is around 1,615 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 32 people (2.0%) from the 2021 Census figure of 1,583. The estimated resident population of 1,612, derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional validated new address since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 347 persons per square kilometer. South Bathurst's 2.0% population growth since the census is close to the SA4 region's 2.9%, showing competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains for the suburb during recent periods.

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 show an above median population growth for Australia's regional areas, with South Bathurst expected to increase by 288 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.9% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, South Bathurst has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 22 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26.

The estimated population decline during this period suggests that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $337,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Compared to Rest of NSW, South Bathurst has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, indicating relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 517 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show South Bathurst adding 209 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.

South Bathurst has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two major projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects are Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, Bathurst Industrial Park 4-Lot Subdivision, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, and The Gateway Bathurst. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis places South Bathurst well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

South Bathurst has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. This is 1.9% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 58.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.0%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1% while employment declined by 2.5%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, the Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Bathurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2022, indicates South Bathurst's median income among taxpayers is $48,044, with an average of $57,943. This is lower than national averages, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $54,102 (median) and $65,250 (average). Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($723 weekly), while household income sits at the 14th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 35.2% of residents (568 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. 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 evaluation, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Bathurst was at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented dwellings at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,394, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South Bathurst was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, South Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 comprise 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 38.4%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 20.5%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (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. St Philomena's Catholic Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 214 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 13.2, below the regional average of 16.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 33 active public transport stops in South Bathurst. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 29 individual routes. Together, they facilitate 270 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 101 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency stands at 38 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in South Bathurst is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

South Bathurst faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across all age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50%, covering around 805 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are asthma (12.2%) and mental health concerns (10.8%), while 58.7% report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of NSW's 63.5%. The area has 17.9% residents aged 65 and over (289 people), less than the Rest of NSW's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

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. Christianity is the main religion in South Bathurst, making up 52.1% of people, compared to 61.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three represented ancestry groups are Australian (29.3%), English (28.3%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 7.0%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Maltese and Maori populations are also disproportionately high, at 0.9% and 0.7% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 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 Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equal to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up a strong 14.8% of South Bathurst's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 14.8%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, South Bathurst's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 40%, adding 77 people to reach a total of 275 from the current 197. Conversely, the number of people in the 65-74 age range is anticipated to decrease.