Bermagui (NSW)

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Drawing from ABS population updates for the wider region alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Bermagui has an estimated population of approximately 1,982 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 117 people (6.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,865 individuals. This adjustment is derived from a resident population of 1,979, which Districts estimated using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer, offering residents plenty of space. The 6.3% growth rate for the suburb of Bermagui since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. The primary driver of this population growth was interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 76.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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The suburb of Bermagui is home to a skilled workforce with a strong representation of the hospitality and tourism sectors, showing an unemployment rate of 4.3% and an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year based on compiled statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 750 employed residents. The unemployment rate sits 0.2% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower, recording 45.2% against the 60.6% seen in Regional NSW. Census figures indicate that a moderate 17.9% of residents worked from home, although this should be interpreted in the context of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

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The suburb of Bermagui records a median taxpayer income of $39,049 and an average of $53,164, based on the latest postcode ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the financial year 2023. These figures sit below the national average, and compare to a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, the current estimates translate to roughly $43,079 for the median and $58,651 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Bermagui rank between the 4th and 12th percentiles across the country. The distribution of earnings shows that 31.3% of the population (620 individuals) earn within the $400 - 799 range, which contrasts with Regional NSW where the most common bracket is - accounting for of the population. After paying for housing, residents retain of their income, a figure that sits at the th percentile nationally.

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Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in the suburb of Bermagui is composed of 81.1% separate houses and 18.9% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing types, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Bermagui stands at 57.8%, which is notably higher than the regional average, while mortgaged properties make up 19.3% and rented properties account for 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area is $1,517, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent is $310, compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Bermagui are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are below the national median of $375.

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Family households represent the majority at 63.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 16.0%, couples without children at 39.1%, and single-parent homes at 7.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households representing 34.0% and group households making up 2.1%. The average household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Bermagui is lower than regional averages, with 24.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree compared to 32.2% across NSW. This suggests opportunities for future skills development. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (29.2%).

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Public transport infrastructure includes 103 active bus stops operating in the suburb of Bermagui. These stops accommodate 12 distinct routes that provide 196 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 144 meters from the nearest stop. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 86%, followed by walking at 10% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 cars per home, which is lower than the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 17.9% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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The suburb of Bermagui records positive health outcomes based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with low rates of common health conditions observed in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low, with approximately 48% of the population (~951 people) holding cover. This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Bermagui exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 88.1% of the population, 84.7% of residents born in Australia, and 95.8% of households speaking only English. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 42.8% of the community. However, Buddhism shows the most notable relative concentration, accounting for 1.6% of the population compared to 0.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 57 years in the suburb of Bermagui is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a higher proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 age bracket (21.6% vs 9.4% nationally) and a smaller percentage of 25 - 34 year-olds (6.1%). Post-2021 Census data indicates the 75 to 84 age cohort has grown from 10.9% to 13.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 7.9% to 9.8%, while the 55 to 64 group fell from 18.3% to . Looking toward demographic forecasts project that the to cohort will grow by people (), increasing from to while the to and to age groups are expected to contract.

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Bermagui currently has an estimated 77 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 46 children aged 0-2 and 30 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 84 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 145. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 5.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.