Bateau Bay (NSW)

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Based on ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts post-Census, the population of the suburb of Bateau Bay is estimated to be approximately 12,817 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 301 residents (2.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 12,516 individuals. The figures are derived from a resident count of 12,812 calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 11 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This size results in a population density of 1,846 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national areas tracked by Districts. The post-Census expansion rate of 2.4% for the suburb of Bateau Bay is within 1.0 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (3.4%), showing stable local growth drivers. Net gains in the population of the suburb of Bateau Bay over recent times were almost exclusively due to overseas migration.

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Bateau Bay has a qualified resident workforce with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 3.8% alongside estimated job growth of 3.0% over the last year, according to Districts regional statistics. In March 2026, working residents numbered 6,022, which keeps the local unemployment rate 0.3% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, whereas labor force participation is lower at 59.9% compared to the metropolitan rate of 69.1%. Census records indicate that 28.8% of local employees worked from home, though this figure reflects the impact of pandemic lockdowns.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023, resident incomes in Bateau Bay fall below the national average, with a median of $51,149 and an average of $63,598. This compares to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Applying a 10.32% Wage Price Index increase since financial year 2023 yields updated figures of approximately $56,428 for the median and $70,161 for the average in March 2026. In the 2021 Census, Bateau Bay household, family, and individual incomes all ranked in the lower range, placed between the 32nd and 34th percentiles. The local earnings distribution shows 29.7% of the population (3,806 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the surrounding region where of people fall into this bracket. affability constraints are notable, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile and the th decile for SEIFA income.

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According to the latest Census, residential dwellings in Bateau Bay consisted of 79.5% detached houses and 20.5% semi-detached, apartment, or other housing formats, compared to the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other structures. Home ownership rates were high at 37.8%, with mortgaged properties representing 37.1% and rental properties making up 25.1%. The local median monthly mortgage payment of $2,058 was lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent of $400 sat below the metropolitan rate of $470. Compared to national statistics, mortgage payments in Bateau Bay exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 70.7% of local households, consisting of 29.9% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.6% single parents. The remaining 29.3% of residences are non-family households, which include lone person households at 27.3% and group housing at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Local education trends show lower rates of tertiary qualifications, with 20.3% of residents holding a university degree compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. Bachelor degrees are held by 15.1% of the population, postgraduate qualifications by 3.2%, and graduate diplomas by 2.0%. Vocational training and technical skills are common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.1%.

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Public transport analysis identifies 93 active transit stops in Bateau Bay, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 115 separate routes, providing a total of 2,806 passenger trips per week. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 162 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method for 95% of workers. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per household, which is above the metropolitan average. Census data from 2021 shows that 28.8% of residents worked from home, which was likely influenced by local pandemic restrictions.

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Analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions by Districts indicates notable health concerns in Bateau Bay, affecting both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is slightly above the SA2 average at roughly 52% of the population (~6,677 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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Bateau Bay shows lower cultural diversity than average, with 87.6% of residents born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 96.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 57.3% of residents, compared to 49.2% in Greater Sydney.

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The median resident age in Bateau Bay is 42, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 are highly represented at 12.3% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 12.5% to 14.0% and the 15 to 24 group rose from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 10.8% to 9.3%, and the 85+ cohort decreased from to . By demographic projections suggest significant changes, with the + group growing by ( individuals) to reach people from . The combined + cohorts are projected to account for of the total population growth, pointing to an aging demographic profile, whereas the to and to cohorts are expected to experience net declines.

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Bateau Bay currently has an estimated 743 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 471 children aged 0-2 and 315 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 670 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,380. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.