Batemans Bay (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates examined for the surrounding region alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Batemans Bay has an estimated population of 1,744 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 171 individuals (10.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 1,573 residents. This adjustment is based on the resident count of 1,739 estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 and 90 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such population levels result in a density of 52 persons per square kilometer, offering plenty of space for each resident. The expansion rate of 10.9% in the suburb of Batemans Bay since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 territory (2.6%) as well as the SA4 territory, positioning it as a key driver of growth. The expansion was largely fueled by arrivals from other states, who accounted for roughly 69.0% of the net population increase over recent times.

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Batemans Bay possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of 6.7%, and 3.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 724 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Postcode data from the ATO compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows a median taxpayer income of $36,751 and an average of $45,635. These figures sit below the national average and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $40,544 for the median and $50,345 for the average. Census data places family, household, and individual incomes between the 0th and 6th percentiles on a national scale. Income distribution shows 38.9% of the population (678 individuals) earn between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with the broader region where the $1,500 - bracket is largest at . With of the population earning under /week, household budgets are tight for most residents. Affordability pressures are notable, with just of income left over after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile.

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The local housing stock at the Census was composed of 40.4% separate houses and 59.6% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, differing from the Regional NSW profile of 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates lagged the regional average at 33.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased via a mortgage (9.0%) or occupied by tenants (57.4%). The median mortgage repayment was $1,300, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while weekly rent was recorded at $285, compared to the regional median of $330. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 42.8% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 8.5%, couples without children at 21.9%, and single parent units at 10.7%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 57.2%, comprising single-person households at 52.0% and group households at 5.2%. The average household size of 1.8 persons is below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Academic metrics show lower educational attainment, with university completion rates at 11.2% compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees make up the largest share at 8.2%, with graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.4%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificate level credentials at 29.9%.

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Public transport analysis identifies 28 transport stops in the area, which consist of bus services. These stops are served by 36 distinct routes, which provide 566 passenger trips per week. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 183 meters from the nearest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 82%, while 14% walk to work. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.2% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health analyses by Districts concerning mortality statistics and chronic ailments show significant challenges, with common medical issues notable among both youth and senior groups, and private health coverage is low at roughly 45% of the community (~786 people). This compares to 51.9% coverage across Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The local population displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with 85.6% holding citizenship, 81.5% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 55.4% of residents, which is close to the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 53 is higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a higher proportion of residents in the 75 - 84 age bracket (14.0%) and fewer children aged 5 - 14 (6.4%). The proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age range grew from 8.4% to 10.1%, and the 15 to 24 range rose from 7.2% to 8.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from to . By demographic projections indicate shifts in the age structure, led by a increase in the + bracket ( people), rising from to . The to age bracket is projected to grow by ( people).

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Batemans Bay currently has an estimated 76 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 46 children aged 0-2 and 29 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 91 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 149. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.