West Bathurst

West 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, West Bathurst's population is estimated at around 3,739 people. This reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,634 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,695 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,293 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, West Bathurst demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilising NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a significant increase is forecast for the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, including West Bathurst expected to expand by 1,017 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 28.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in West Bathurst according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

West Bathurst has seen limited development activity with an average of 2 approvals per year over five years (12 approvals). This reflects its rural nature where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

West Bathurst shows less construction activity compared to Rest of NSW and national averages. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, maintaining the area's rural character with emphasis on space. With around 2517 people per dwelling approval, West Bathurst indicates a highly mature market. By 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate), West Bathurst is expected to grow by 1,081 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment, Windradyne 1100 Subdivision, 56 Colville Street Residential Development, and Robin Hill Convenience Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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 reveals West Bathurst recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

West Bathurst has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,930 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 0.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is relatively similar to the regional average at 58.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, employment levels in education & training are 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.8%, accompanied by a 4.5% decrease in employment, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within West Bathurst. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to West 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows West Bathurst had a median income among taxpayers of $48,443 and an average level of $58,424. This is lower than national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $54,552 (median) and $65,791 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks West Bathurst's household, family, and personal incomes modestly between the 20th and 34th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting patterns seen in surrounding regions with a similar proportion occupying this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

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

West Bathurst's dwelling structures in the latest Census showed 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Bathurst was at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,443, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in West Bathurst was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, West Bathurst's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,443 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Bathurst features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.0% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in West Bathurst fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 20.0%, significantly lower than 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 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. Bathurst West Public School serves the local educational needs within West Bathurst, with an enrollment of 552 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas.

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

Analysis of public transport in West Bathurst shows 62 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 44 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 677 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Bathurst faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 11.2% and asthma impacts 11.1% of residents. 60.9% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of NSW's 63.5%. The area has 18.0% aged 65 and over (673 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 19.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

West Bathurst is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

West Bathurst had a cultural diversity index below average, with 89.0% citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.0%, compared to 61.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (10.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (7.3%) and Welsh (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Lebanese representation was slightly lower at 0.2%.

West Bathurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in West Bathurst is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 14.9% of the population in West Bathurst, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.2% to 14.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in West Bathurst, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 67% (368 people), reaching 918 from 549. Conversely, the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.