Blackbutt (NSW)

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Based on evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address listings validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Blackbutt (NSW) has an estimated population of 3,488 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 197 people (6.0%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,291 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,463, estimated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 19 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population size represents a density of 1,326 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average location assessed by Districts. The 6.0% growth of the suburb of Blackbutt (NSW) since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader. Population gains were mostly propelled by overseas migration, which made up roughly 73.0% of total growth in recent times, though natural increase and interstate migration also contributed positive gains.

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This locality has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 7.2% and relative employment stability over the past year, according to Districts statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, 1,558 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate sits 3.1% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat lower than average (57.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census figures indicate that a moderate 22.8% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in this area earn a median income of $55,101, with an average of $70,432. This exceeds the national average and compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be roughly $60,787 (median) and $77,701 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly, placing between the 29th and 41st percentiles. The primary income group accounts for 28.6% of residents (997 people) who earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring wider regional trends where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Affordability pressures are significant, with only of income left over, placing the area in the st percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the locality in the th decile.

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Dwelling distribution in the area at the time of the latest Census consisted of 70.1% standalone houses and 29.9% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels were comparable to Regional NSW at 40.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $420 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, local mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly higher than the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 76.5%, consisting of 34.3% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.5%, with single-person households representing 21.2% and group shared houses making up 2.5%. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people is higher than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational outcomes present some challenges, as the percentage of residents with a university qualification (17.1%) is considerably lower than the NSW state average of 32.2%. This indicates room for targeted educational improvements. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (28.2%).

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Public transit options in the suburb of Blackbutt (NSW) include 27 active bus stops. These stops host 37 separate routes, which combine to offer 641 passenger services weekly. Transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 139 meters from their closest stop. As a suburban residential enclave, most workers commute out of the area, and private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 94%. Households own an average of 1.6 cars. Approximately 22.8% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

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The locality faces notable health issues, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which are somewhat common in both younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively high at approximately 55% of the population (~1,910 people). This compares to 51.9% of residents in Regional NSW.

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The area shows higher cultural diversity than most regional markets, with 24.3% of the population born outside Australia and 22.1% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 63.9% of the local population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 43 matches the Regional NSW median of 43 and is higher than the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 45 - 54 (13.1%), whereas the 5 - 14 group is smaller (9.5%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.3% to 8.2% of the population, and the 85+ cohort grew from 1.8% to 4.1%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 15.4% to 13.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from to . Looking forward to age structure projections indicate significant changes. The to group is projected to lead these changes, increasing by ( people) to reach from . Conversely, population drops are projected for the to and to age brackets.

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Blackbutt currently has an estimated 202 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 122 children aged 0-2 and 80 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 29% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 25% by 2041 (to approximately 252 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 277. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.