Coonabarabran
Statistical Area - sa2

Coonabarabran has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Coonabarabran's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 8,033 people. This figure represents a 1.4% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,921. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,955 in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Coonabarabran's growth rate of 1.4% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's rate of 3.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate an overall decline, with Coonabarabran's population expected to decrease by 774 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is anticipated to increase by 80 people.

The level of residential development activity in Coonabarabran is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Coonabarabran has recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 33 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

This financial year, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coonabarabran shows substantially reduced construction (85.0% below regional average per person). Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options across price brackets. This is a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses. The estimated count of 1060 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Coonabarabran should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Coonabarabran should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Coonabarabran has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include Valley of the Winds Wind Farm, Oxley Highway Improvements at Goolhi, Liverpool Range Wind Farm, and Coolah Multipurpose Service. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Coonabarabran recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Coonabarabran has a balanced workforce with white collar and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 4.1%.

As of June 2025, there are 3,240 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, with workforce participation at 47.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major industries employing locals include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Coonabarabran specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.2 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and May 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8%, while employment fell by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coonabarabran's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3%% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Coonabarabran's median income among taxpayers was $40,487 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $49,761 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $44,779 as of March 2025. Estimated average income by March 2025 would be around $55,036. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Coonabarabran fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents (28.6%, or 2,297 people) have incomes in the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with residents retaining 91.2% of their income. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

Coonabarabran is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Coonabarabran's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's structure of 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonabarabran stood at 52.7%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $871, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,450. Weekly rent in Coonabarabran was recorded at $200, significantly below Non-Metro NSW's figure of $280 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were substantially higher than Coonabarabran's average of $1,863.

Coonabarabran features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Coonabarabran faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.9% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. A network of 10 schools operates within Coonabarabran, educating approximately 1,144 students. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 471 active transport stops operating within Coonabarabran. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 41 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 338 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 48 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coonabarabran is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Coonabarabran faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~3703 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of NSW's 49.7% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (8.9%).

However, 59.6% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 28.7% (~2304 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the Rest of NSW's 19.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors perform better than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Coonabarabran placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coonabarabran had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coonabarabran, making up 67.0% of the population, compared to 65.6% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (32.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%).

Notably, Maltese, Macedonian, and Irish ethnicities had higher representation in Coonabarabran than regionally: Maltese at 0.4% vs 0.2%, Macedonian at 0.1% vs 0%, and Irish at 7.8% vs 8.2%.

Coonabarabran ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coonabarabran has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 15.1% of Coonabarabran's population, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 8.9% to 9.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, Coonabarabran's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 86 people (29%), from 302 to 389. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth in the area, reflecting its aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.