Barham (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Barham is projected to be approximately 1,618 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 49 individuals (3.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,569 residents. This shift is calculated from the local population of 1,617, determined by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 22 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population size results in a density of 3.4 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment. The 3.1% census-to-date expansion rate of the suburb of Barham lags the SA3 region (4.8%) by 1.7 percentage points, showing competitive local dynamics. The primary driver of local growth was overseas migration, which was responsible for roughly 79.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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Barham is characterized by a balanced labor force split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, with an unemployment rate of 5.9% according to aggregated statistical data from Districts. In March 2026736 local residents were employed. The local unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower at 54.4% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a low 12.7% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Barham are below the national benchmark, with a median of $39,413 and an average of $47,891. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $43,480 for the median and $52,833 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Barham between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. The largest income cohort consists of 29.0% of residents (469 individuals) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which contrasts with the broader region where 29.9% earn between - . A high concentration of lower-income households ( earning under /week) points to limited household budgets. Although housing costs are low, allowing residents to retain of their income, total disposable income sits in the th percentile nationally.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Barham consisted of 85.0% separate houses and 15.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership is high, with 55.6% of properties owned outright, while 20.7% are mortgaged and 23.7% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,148 is below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $185 is lower than the regional average of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Barham are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 60.4% of all households, with 15.9% being couples with children, 37.1% being couples without children, and 6.5% being single parents. The remaining 39.6% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 37.4% and group living situations at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the area presents challenges, with 13.4% of residents holding a university qualification, which is lower than the NSW state average of 32.2%. Among these higher qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 10.1%, graduate diplomas account for 2.0%, and postgraduate degrees make up 1.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 26.7%.

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Public transport services in Barham feature 55 active stops utilizing bus services. These stops support 7 distinct routes, which provide a total of 72 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 379 meters from their closest stop. As a residential hub, commuting is common, with driving remaining the primary mode of travel at 87% and walking accounting for 11%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per household. Work-from-home rates were relatively low at 12.7% during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Health outcomes for Barham residents are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligning closely with national averages. Common health issues are distributed normally across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance coverage is low at roughly 46% of the population, representing about 743 individuals, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in Barham is lower than average, with citizens making up 92.0% of the population, 91.9% of residents born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 57.7% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 58 in Barham is older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 20.8%, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 6.8%. This 65 - 74 group is larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 18.5% to 20.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 6.6% to 8.5%, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 18.1% to . Projections indicate significant demographic shifts by with the to cohort expected to grow by ( individuals) to reach people from an initial . Residents aged and older will represent of the total growth, while the to and to age cohorts are expected to contract.

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Barham currently has an estimated 69 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 50 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 75 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 155. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.