Bow Bowing (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Bow Bowing's population is estimated at around 1,543 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 63 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,606 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,538, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,030 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Bow Bowing has a skilled workforce, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 5.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026918 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Bow Bowing's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Bow Bowing's median income among taxpayers is $57,418 and the average income stands at $64,131, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,344 (median) and $70,749 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($2,108 weekly), while personal income sits at the 50th percentile. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 38.4% of locals (592 people) in the - category, mirroring the metropolitan region where occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Bow Bowing, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bow Bowing was in line with that of Sydney metro, at 27.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (55.3%) or rented (16.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Bow Bowing's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 84.3% of all households, comprising 48.9% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.7%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (23.9%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (20.5%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Bow Bowing comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 32.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Bow Bowing residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~807 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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Bow Bowing scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 38.7% of its population born overseas and 38.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bow Bowing was found to be Christianity, which makes up 53.8% of people in Bow Bowing. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 13.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

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At 36 years, the suburb of Bow Bowing's median age is nearly matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Bow Bowing has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (16.5%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.2% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests the suburb of Bow Bowing's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . In contrast, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Bow Bowing currently has an estimated 98 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 60 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 86 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 185. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.