Boolaroo (NSW)

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Based on evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Boolaroo is estimated to be approximately 2,075 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 439 people (26.8%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,636 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 2,063, estimated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) along with an extra 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 765 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages observed across places analyzed by Districts. The 26.8% growth in the suburb of Boolaroo since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (3.2%), as well as the Rest of NSW, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Population expansion for the area was chiefly fueled by interstate migration which made up roughly of total population gains during recent times, though all indicators including overseas migration and natural growth were positive contributors.

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Boolaroo features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,113 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Based on the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Boolaroo have a median income of $52,133, and an average of $69,121. This stands slightly above the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $57,513 (median) and $76,254 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Boolaroo, between the 36th and 42nd percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 32.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (682 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents . Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Boolaroo, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.4% 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 Boolaroo was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 31.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $1,907, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Boolaroo's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 67.9% of all households, comprising 24.9% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

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The region experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (16.8%) sitting considerably under the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge as well as an opening for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, which include advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (32.3%).

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Public transit assessment shows 19 active passenger stops operating within Boolaroo, incorporating a combination of trains and buses. These transit points are serviced by 27 separate routes, which combine to offer 1,192 weekly passenger trips. Transport connectivity is classified as good, with residents generally situated 248 meters from their closest transport stop. Due to the area's primary residential role, the majority of residents travel out of the suburb for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 94%. Car ownership averages 1.5 per household. Some 21.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health indicators demonstrate significant difficulties confronting Boolaroo, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common conditions being notable in both younger and older age brackets. The proportion of the population with private health insurance is relatively high, standing at roughly 54% of the population (~1,125 people), which compares to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW.

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Boolaroo was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.1% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Boolaroo was found to be Christianity, which makes up 51.9% of people in Boolaroo. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 39 years in Boolaroo is notably younger than the Regional NSW average of 43, while sitting in close alignment with the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Boolaroo has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (14.0%) but a smaller share of 65 - 74 year-olds (10.1%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 7.5% to 9.2% of the population, and the 85+ age group rose from 1.7% to 2.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 15.1% to 14.0%. Looking toward 2041, demographic forecasts indicate notable transformations in Boolaroo's age distribution. Leading this demographic shift, the to group is projected to increase by ( people), growing from to . On the other hand, the to and to age groups are projected to experience population decreases.

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Boolaroo currently has an estimated 116 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 61 children aged 0-2 and 41 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 139 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 190. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.6 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.