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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of South Bathurst is around 1,576 people. This reflects a decrease from the previous population of 1,583 recorded in the Census of 2021, indicating a change of -7 persons (-0.4%). AreaSearch's analysis of latest ERP data released by ABS (June 2024) and validation of new addresses since the Census date indicate this decrease. The population density is approximately 338 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in 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. Applying growth rates from these aggregations to all areas, the suburb is projected to increase its population by 277 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.3% 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 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 17. This low development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects.

South Bathurst has less construction activity than Rest of NSW and below national averages. Of the new building activity, 33.0% were detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing (89.0% houses) indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 620 people. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts South Bathurst gaining 241 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 241 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Bathurst Intermodal Transport Terminal, Bathurst Industrial Park 4-Lot Subdivision, Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, and The Gateway Bathurst. Relevant details are provided 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025817 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 65.8%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that 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. South Bathurst shows 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 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates 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 3.7%, leading to 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within South Bathurst. These projections estimate that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Bathurst's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,301 and $63,077 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($723 weekly) and household income at the 14th percentile. The predominant income cohort in South Bathurst is 35.2% (554 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels at 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in South Bathurst was at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,394, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure stood at $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, South Bathurst's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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% that are couples with children, 25.7% that are couples without children, and 17.5% that consist of single parents. 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 Rest of 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 was 20.5% as of the latest data point, 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 held by 38.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 29.0%. Educational participation was high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This included 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, served by 30 routes offering 275 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 101 meters. Most residents commute outwards using cars, which are dominant at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 9.7% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 39 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 7 weekly trips per stop.

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

South Bathurst faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~786 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (12.2%) and mental health issues (10.8%). Conversely, 58.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (282 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.1% of South Bathurst's population, compared to 55.9% across the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (28.3%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 7.0%, compared to 4.6% regionally, while Maltese and Maori populations were also higher than the regional averages at 0.9% and 0.7% respectively.

South Bathurst's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of South Bathurst is 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.2% of South Bathurst's population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.7%, lower than the Rest of NSW figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 15.2% of South Bathurst's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that South Bathurst's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 41%, increasing from 192 to 272 people. Meanwhile, the number of people in the 65-74 age range is expected to decrease.