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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for South Bathurst statistical area is around 1,576 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 1,583 people, representing a drop of 7 individuals (0.4%). The current resident population estimate of 1,547, based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, contributes to this decline. This results in a density ratio of approximately 338 persons per square kilometer for the area. Population growth in South Bathurst (SA2) has been primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, South Bathurst is expected to experience an above median population growth trend for Australia's regional areas. By the year 2041, the area is projected to increase by 282 persons, reflecting a total gain of 15.4% over the 17-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 minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 17. This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity influenced by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects, as seen with South Bathurst's low approval numbers.

The area shows notably less construction activity than Rest of NSW and is below national averages. New building activity comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium to high-density housing, indicating a shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 89.0% houses. This trend may be due to decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population density of South Bathurst is 620 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 242 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 242 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

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch may affect this area: Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, Bathurst Industrial Park 4-Lot Subdivision, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, and The Gateway Bathurst. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 813 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in South Bathurst was fairly standard at 58.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 as at the Census, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.1%, with employment decreasing by 3.8% in South Bathurst, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, South Bathurst had a median income among taxpayers of $48,044 and an average income of $57,943. This is lower than national averages, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,301 (median) and $63,077 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($723 weekly), while household income sits at the 14th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 35.2% of locals, with 554 people in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Bathurst stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households making up 5.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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's university qualification rate was 20.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation was 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

The analysis of public transportation in South Bathurst indicates there are currently 35 operational transport stops. These stops cater to a variety of bus routes, totaling 30 individual services. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 275.

Residents' accessibility to transport is considered excellent, with an average proximity of 101 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 39 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 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

South Bathurst faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 786 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.2% and 10.8% of residents respectively. However, 58.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across Rest of NSW. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (285 people), lower than the 19.4% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health 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, comprising 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 is overrepresented at 7.0%, Maltese at 0.9%, and Maori at 0.7%.

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 equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up a strong 14.7% 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 45-54 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.3%, but the 55-64 cohort has declined 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 42%, from 193 to 276 people. Conversely, the number of people in the 65-74 age range is anticipated to decrease.