Bellingen (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Bellingen is estimated to be approximately 3,971 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 48 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,923 residents. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 3,956, estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 87 validated new addresses after the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 89 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential space for future growth. The 1.2% post-census growth rate for the suburb of Bellingen is within 2.5 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (3.7%), showing stable expansion patterns. Population gains were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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Bellingen has an educated labor force with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and estimated job growth of 0.8% over the past year. Data from March 2026 shows 1,703 working residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.1% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is notably lower at 55.3% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 23.3% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, local incomes are below the national benchmark, with a median of $41,450 and an average of $53,244. These figures are lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $45,728 for the median and $58,739 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local personal, family, and household incomes between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group comprises 29.7% of residents (1,179 people) earning weekly incomes of $1,500 - 2,999, which aligns closely with the metropolitan rate of . Affordability is constrained, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile nationally and the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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The housing stock in Bellingen at the latest Census consisted of 93.3% separate houses and 6.7% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other options across Regional NSW. Home ownership levels were comparable to the state average at 39.9%, while 33.3% of homes had a mortgage and 26.8% were rented. The median mortgage repayment was $1,477 per month, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, whereas the median weekly rent of $390 was higher than the regional average of $330. In comparison to national figures, local mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Families make up 66.3% of all households, consisting of couples with children (25.1%), couples without children (24.0%), and single parents (16.3%). The remaining 33.7% are non-family households, which include lone person households (29.1%) and group households (4.4%). The median household size is 2.4 residents, matching the average for Regional NSW.

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Attainment levels in Bellingen are high, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary qualification, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This educational profile supports knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are held by 21.2% of residents, postgraduate degrees by 6.5%, and graduate diplomas by 4.7%. Vocational education is also common, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.4%).

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Public transport services in Bellingen include 62 active bus stops. These stops are served by 31 separate routes that run a combined total of 355 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with the average distance to a stop being 176 meters. Given the residential nature of the suburb of Bellingen, most workers commute out of the area, with 87% traveling by car and 10% walking. The average vehicle ownership rate is 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 23.3% of residents worked from home, which may reflect the influence of lockdown restrictions.

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Health indicators are positive overall, with mortality rates and medical conditions matching national benchmarks across different age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 48% of the population (~1,908 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity measures are lower than average, with citizens representing 88.0% of the community, 83.3% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 28.2% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.6% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of Bellingen is 44 years, which is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 years and higher than the national median of 38 years. The suburb of Bellingen has a higher proportion of residents aged 45 - 54 (14.5%) and fewer aged 25 - 34 (6.8%) relative to Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 6.9% to 8.6% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age group rose from 11.4% to 12.7%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 16.4% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest the to group will expand by ( people), rising from to residents. Residents aged and older will represent of the total growth, while the to and to age groups are expected to decline.

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Bellingen currently has an estimated 206 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 108 children aged 0-2 and 71 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 219 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 409. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.