Bourkelands (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census estimates that Bourkelands has a population of roughly 3,083 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 30 residents (1.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,113 individuals. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 3,075, projected by Districts after examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with 3 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This population size results in a density of 1,468 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average benchmark across national locations assessed by Districts. Throughout the past decade, Bourkelands has displayed stable growth trends with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, faster than the SA3 area. The population expansion was driven mostly by natural growth, which accounted for approximately 58% of total population increases in recent times.

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Bourkelands features a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of only 1.7%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 1,677 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is significantly elevated (71.7% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census figures indicate that a low 9.8% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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The latest postcode level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of Bourkelands are exceptionally high compared to the rest of the nation, showing a median value of $67,728 and an average value of $82,615. This is higher than the Regional NSW figures, where the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $74,718 (median) and $91,141 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bourkelands are all positioned high nationally, falling between the 78th and 78th percentiles. Looking at the spread of income, the largest group comprises 37.7% of residents (1,162 people) earning in the - range, which aligns with wider regional trends showing in this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents keep of their income, showing strong purchasing capacity, and the area's SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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The mix of dwellings in Bourkelands at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other property types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other property types in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Bourkelands were lower than the Regional NSW average at 30.7%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (44.1%) or occupied by tenants (25.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was identical to the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $360, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage payments in Bourkelands are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national average of $375.

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Family households make up the vast majority at 79.5% of all households, consisting of 39.7% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households representing 18.8% and group households making up 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university qualification rates (26.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 regional average of 18.7% and the SA3 average of 20.4%, showing the community's focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational and technical skills are also prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (25.6%).

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Public transport data shows 16 active transport stops operating in Bourkelands, consisting of a combination of buses. These stops are served by 17 distinct routes, which provide 294 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as good, with residents living an average of 274 meters from the closest transport stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with cars remaining the main choice at 98%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per household, which is above the regional average. A low 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

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Health indicators for Bourkelands are close to national benchmarks, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness rates, with common health issues among the general public being typical, though elevated compared to the national average for older age brackets, and the level of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 60% of the population (1,835 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

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Bourkelands is below the average level of cultural diversity, with 84.6% of residents born in Australia, 90.7% holding citizenship, and 86.6% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Bourkelands is Christianity, accounting for 68.3% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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Bourkelands has a median age of 35 years, which is significantly lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and younger than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the 5 - 14 cohort is highly represented (15.3% locally), while residents aged 75 - 84 are under-represented (3.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket has increased from 13.5% to 14.5% of the population. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.4% to 12.1%. Demographic projections suggest the age profile of Bourkelands will change considerably by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to experience the largest growth at , adding residents to reach . Conversely, both the to and to age cohorts will experience a decline in numbers.

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Bourkelands currently has an estimated 234 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 139 children aged 0-2 and 93 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 261 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 329. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.