West Bathurst (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 West Bathurst has an estimated population of approximately 3,679 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 45 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,634 people. The development is calculated from the resident population of 3,676, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size equates to a density ratio of 1,273 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average across national locations evaluated by Districts. The 1.2% growth in the suburb of West Bathurst since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA4 region (2.2%), displaying competitive growth characteristics. Demographic expansion for the area was chiefly driven by natural growth, which accounted for approximately of overall population increases during recent periods.

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The suburb of West Bathurst features a qualified workforce, with key essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.7%, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,879 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and labour force participation is significantly higher than standard (65.8% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.1% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be taken into consideration.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of West Bathurst had a median income among taxpayers of $48,443 with the average level standing at $58,424. This is lower than average on a national basis 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 $53,442 (median) and $64,453 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in the suburb of West Bathurst, between the 20th and 34th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.0% of the community ( individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within the suburb of West Bathurst, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.2% 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 the suburb of West Bathurst was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 32.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,443, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, the suburb of West Bathurst's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the majority at 62.0% of all households, comprising 19.9% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (20.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a difficulty and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (29.7%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 77 active transport stops operating within the suburb of West Bathurst comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 43 individual routes, collectively providing 676 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 119 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 10.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health statistics show substantial difficulties confronting the suburb of West Bathurst, based on Districts' analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, with the occurrence of common health conditions being notable in both younger and older age brackets, and the rate of private health insurance found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,842 people). The national average is 55.7%.

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The suburb of West Bathurst was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.0% of its population being citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in the suburb of West Bathurst was found to be Christianity, which makes up 56.0% of people in the suburb of West Bathurst. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The 36-year median age in the suburb of West Bathurst is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 similarly somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 7.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.9% and the to group dropped from to . Population forecasts for indicate substantial demographic changes for the suburb of West Bathurst. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Conversely, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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West Bathurst currently has an estimated 261 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 148 children aged 0-2 and 100 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 27% by 2041 (to approximately 331 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 402. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.9 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.