Bega (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Bega's population is estimated at around 5,120 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 107 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,013 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,114, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bega's 2.1% growth since census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Bega has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,265 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.7% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Bega had a median income among taxpayers of $40,419 with the average level standing at $49,511. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $44,590 (median) and $54,621 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bega all fall between the 13th and 21st percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.7% of residents (1,469 people), mirroring the broader area where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Bega, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bega was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 38.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (33.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,408, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Bega's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 64.7% of all households, comprising 22.2% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 104 active transport stops operating within Bega comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 572 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Bega, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,385 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

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Bega was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bega was found to be Christianity, which makes up 48.4% of people in Bega. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 43, Bega is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (9.6%), while the 55 - 64 group is comparatively smaller (11.1%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.3% to 9.6% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bega's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 37% ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Bega currently has an estimated 327 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 173 children aged 0-2 and 116 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 357 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 499. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.