Dudley (NSW)

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Evaluating demographics from ABS updates for the region and new home addresses verified by Districts since the Census shows the number of residents in Dudley is around 2,474 as of May 2026. This indicates a decline of 31 people (1.2%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 2,505 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 2,468, estimated by Districts by looking at the most recent ABS ERP statistics (June 2025) plus an extra 5 verified new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 453 persons per square kilometer, which allows plenty of space per resident and opportunity for further expansion. Population increases in this location were mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 51.0% of total population additions in recent times.

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Dudley has a highly qualified labor force with a strong presence of professional service workers and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, based on compiled statistical area data from Districts. In March 2026, 1,236 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation was exceptionally high (66.9% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census statistics show that a high 33.7% of employed residents worked from home, though this may reflect COVID-19 lockdown measures.

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Taxpayer statistics from the ATO aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023 show that incomes in the suburb of Dudley are exceptionally high on a national scale. The median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Dudley is $68,554, and the average income is $91,918, compared to Regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate levels of roughly $75,629 for the median and $101,404 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in Dudley are all highly ranked, placing between the 84th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), which is close to the regional rate of . High affluence is evident in Dudley, with of households earning more than weekly, which helps support high-end retail and local services. Once housing expenses are paid, residents keep of their income, showing strong purchasing capacity, and the area ranks in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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The mix of housing in Dudley at the time of the latest Census was composed of 92.4% separate houses and 7.6% alternative housing types (including townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional NSW averages of 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Dudley exceeded that of Regional NSW at 42.6%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (43.3%) or occupied by tenants (14.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average at $2,324, and the median weekly rent was $420, compared to regional averages of $1,733 and $330 respectively. On a national level, mortgage payments in Dudley are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.3%, consisting of 40.9% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent households. The remaining 18.7% are non-family households, which are comprised of lone person households at 18.7% and group households at 0.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 residents is higher than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Academic achievement in Dudley is significantly higher than broader regional figures, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 23.5% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Practical and technical skills are also well represented, with 33.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (22.1%).

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An analysis of public transport options shows 25 active bus stops operating in Dudley. These stops are served by 10 different bus routes, which run a total of 182 passenger trips each week. Access to transport is highly convenient, with residents living an average of 160 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel outside the area for employment, and private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel for 97% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.8 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A high 33.7% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators show favorable outcomes across Dudley, based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with low rates of common health issues observed in both younger and older demographic groups. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 63% of the population (1,563 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Dudley has low levels of cultural diversity, with 90.6% of residents born in Australia, 94.7% holding citizenship, and 96.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 44.5% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of residents is 38, which is lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and equal to the national median of 38. Children aged 5 to 14 represent a high proportion of the population at 15.2% compared to Regional NSW, while adults aged 75 to 84 are less common at 4.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 13.5% to 15.3% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 11.9% to 10.7%. Demographic models project that Dudley's age structure will change by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age group growing by 19% (adding people to reach from ), while the to and to groups are projected to shrink.

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Dudley currently has an estimated 185 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 99 children aged 0-2 and 67 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 21% by 2041 (to approximately 223 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 259. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.