Bowral (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 Bowral's population is estimated at around 10,786 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 22 people (0.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,764 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,765, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 198 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 290 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bowral's 0.2% growth since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce shows high levels of educational attainment, with professional services strongly represented. The current unemployment rate stands at only 1.4%, alongside an estimated yearly job growth rate of 0.6% according to aggregated regional statistics. Active workers numbered 4,438 as of March 2026, while the jobless rate remained 2.7% lower than the 4.1% rate seen across Regional NSW. Meanwhile, workforce participation is considerably lower at 48.5% compared to the regional figure of 60.6%. Census data highlights that a substantial 33.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related movement restrictions.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Bowral had a median income among taxpayers of $48,683 with the average level standing at $92,942. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,707 (median) and $102,534 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Bowral, between the 37th and 49th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 26.9% of the community (2,901 individuals), mirroring regional levels where occupy this bracket. After housing, of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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At the time of the last Census, residential property in the suburb of Bowral was made up of 80.7% standalone houses and 19.3% alternative dwelling types (such as townhouses, units, or other structures), which compares to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings throughout Regional NSW. Home ownership levels were exceptionally high compared to the regional average, sitting at 53.8% outright ownership, with the remaining households either paying off a mortgage (26.3%) or renting (19.9%). The median mortgage payment locally was recorded at $2,167 per month, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $500, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,733 per month and $330 per week. On a national level, monthly mortgage costs in the suburb of Bowral sit significantly above the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are likewise well above the countrywide median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 66.8%, which is split between couples without children at 36.1%, couples with children at 21.9%, and single-parent homes at 8.2%. The remaining 33.2% consists of non-family households, which are predominantly single-person households at 31.2%, while group living arrangements make up 1.9% of the total. The local median household size of 2.2 residents is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Levels of education in the suburb of Bowral are well above broader averages, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 22.4% in the SA4 region. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees represent the most common university qualification at 22.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 9.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Technical and vocational credentials are also common, with 33.7% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 19.3%.

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An assessment of local transit networks shows 199 active public transport connections within the suburb of Bowral, providing a combination of train and bus services. These stops support 52 distinct routes that manage a total of 2,823 passenger journeys per week. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 157 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the community, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles serving as the primary commute mode at 90%, while 7% walk. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 cars per home, which sits below the regional average. A significant 33.3% of working residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be reflective of pandemic conditions.

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Health profiles in the suburb of Bowral are generally favorable, with analysis of mortality and long-term illnesses showing low rates of common health issues across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private medical insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 64% of the population (representing 6,857 individuals). This stands in contrast to the 51.9% coverage observed across Regional NSW and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics for the suburb of Bowral are generally aligned with broader regional averages. Australian-born residents comprise 77.3% of the population, 89.8% hold citizenship, and 91.9% speak only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 60.6% of residents. The most notable religious variance is within Judaism, which represents 0.5% of the local population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of residents in the suburb of Bowral is 55 years, which is substantially higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution highlights a large concentration of residents in the 75 - 84 age bracket (16.4%), whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is relatively small at 6.0% compared to Regional NSW. The representation of the 75 - 84 group is also significantly higher than the national average of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 15.0% to 16.4% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the to cohort decreased from to . Looking ahead to long-term projections point to significant demographic shifts, with the + cohort expected to grow by people () from to while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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Bowral currently has an estimated 409 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 221 children aged 0-2 and 146 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 472 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 936. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 5.2 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.