Bathurst (NSW)

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According to analysis of ABS population revisions for the broader region, combined with fresh locations verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Bathurst is estimated to have a population of approximately 6,842 in May 2026. This represents a decline of 159 people (2.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 7,001 people. The shift is calculated from a local population of 6,836, projected by Districts after examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with 26 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level results in a density of 1,151 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded across sites analyzed by Districts. In recent times, overseas migration functioned as virtually the sole driver of population gains, acting as the primary force behind local growth.

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The suburb of Bathurst has a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.4%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,749, while the local unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. Workforce participation is standard, standing at 65.2% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census figures indicate that a minor 12.1% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO at the postcode level, aggregated by Districts for the 2023 financial year, reveals a median income of $50,038 and an average income of $60,348 for the suburb of Bathurst. These figures are below the national benchmarks and contrast with the median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 recorded across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, updated estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $55,202 for the median and $66,576 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household incomes in the suburb of Bathurst ranked in the 14th percentile, whereas personal incomes fared better at the 39th percentile. Looking at the income distribution, the $800 - 1,499 weekly range is the most common, accounting for 28.8% of residents ( people), which differs from regional patterns where the - bracket is largest at . Affordability pressures are highly pronounced, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile.

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Residential configurations in the suburb of Bathurst at the time of the latest Census consisted of 50.2% houses and 49.8% alternative dwellings (such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures), compared to Regional NSW where houses make up 82.6% and other dwellings comprise 17.4%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Bathurst lagged behind the regional average at 28.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (16.1%) or renters (55.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was significantly lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $300 compared to the Regional NSW average of $330. On a national scale, mortgage payments in the suburb of Bathurst are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the largest share of households at 49.2%, consisting of 13.5% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.8%, which is composed of lone person households at 45.3% and group households at 5.5%. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The educational profile of the suburb of Bathurst is distinctive within the region, as university graduation rates (29.1% of residents aged 15+) exceed the SA4 regional average of 19.3% and the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%, showing a strong local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Practical and vocational skills are also highly represented, with 32.8% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, split between advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (23.1%).

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Analysis of local public transport shows 137 active stops operating within the suburb of Bathurst, comprising a mixture of train and bus services. These stops are served by 101 distinct routes, which combine to offer 2,212 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 103 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 84%, while 13% of residents walk. Car ownership averages 0.8 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average, and a relatively low 12.1% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions).

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Health metrics point to considerable challenges in the suburb of Bathurst, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The presence of common medical issues is notable in both younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 51% of the population (~3,477 people).

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Cultural diversity in the suburb of Bathurst is generally consistent with the broader regional average, with citizens making up 84.5% of the population, 82.4% born in Australia, and 87.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 54.0% of residents. The most noticeable variation is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 2.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 40 in the suburb of Bathurst is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43, but slightly higher than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is noticeably over-represented at 16.8% of the local population, while the 5 - 14 cohort is under-represented at 7.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.3% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 group declined from 12.4% to 11.2%. Long-term population forecasts for 2041 suggest major demographic transitions, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to rise by 50% from to residents (an increase of people), while the to group is expected to grow by a modest , adding residents.

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Bathurst currently has an estimated 294 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 162 children aged 0-2 and 108 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 35% by 2041 (to approximately 398 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 431. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).