Coonabarabran

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

Coonabarabran's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 7,953 as of May 2026. This figure indicates a rise of 32 people, representing a 0.4% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,921. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,948 in June 2025 and an additional 73 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 0.4% since the census places it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (2.8%), suggesting 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 years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline over this period. The area's population is expected to decrease by 774 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 96 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 six residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 33 homes. So far in FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000.

Additionally, $3.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coonabarabran shows substantially reduced construction (85.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This indicates a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated count of 1060 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections showing stability or decline, Coonabarabran should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Coonabarabran has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Oxley Highway Improvements at Goolhi, Inland Rail from Narromine to Narrabri, Valley of the Winds Wind Farm, and Liverpool Range Wind Farm. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Coonabarabran presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Coonabarabran has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 3.6%.

There were 3,225 residents employed at this time, which is 0.4% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Coonabarabran lagged behind Regional NSW with a rate of 50.5% compared to 60.5%. According to the Census, 19.8% of residents worked from home. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Coonabarabran has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 5.2 times higher than the regional level. However, construction jobs are limited at 5.5% compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. In a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 5.1%, employment declined by 5.0%, resulting in an unemployment rate drop of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coonabarabran's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Coonabarabran Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) had an income level below the national average in the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this SA2 was $41,843, while the average income stood at $49,833. For comparison, Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Coonabarabran SA2's median income would be approximately $46,161 and average income around $54,976 by March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Coonabarabran all fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents (28.6%, or 2,274 people) have incomes ranging from $400 to $799, unlike the regional pattern where incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs that allow for 91.2% of income retention, total disposable income in Coonabarabran ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Coonabarabran, as per the latest Census, 96.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other dwellings. This differs from Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonabarabran stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 25.2% and rented ones comprising 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $871, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Coonabarabran was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Coonabarabran's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are common, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 31.3%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.9% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Coonabarabran indicates that there are 495 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 42, providing a combined weekly passenger trip count of 434. The accessibility of public transport in Coonabarabran is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 204 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation among residents is car, used by 85% of them, while 10% walk to their destinations.

On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Coonabarabran. According to the 2021 Census, some 19.8% of residents work from home, which may be partially attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages approximately 62 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 0 weekly trips per individual stop. An accompanying map displays the locations of the 100 nearest transport stops to the area's centrepoint.

Health performance in Coonabarabran is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Coonabarabran faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,658 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (8.9%). 59.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.5%, compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings even higher 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 has a low cultural diversity, with 84.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coonabarabran, accounting for 67.0%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (33.3%), English (32.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Maltese is higher at 0.4% in Coonabarabran versus 0.4% regionally, Macedonian is lower at 0.1% versus 0.4%, and Irish is slightly lower at 7.8% compared to 8.8%.

Coonabarabran ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coonabarabran has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 15.1% of Coonabarabran's population compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort represents 8.2%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 9.0% to 10.4%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.0% to 10.7%, and the 25 to 34 group fell from 9.2% to 8.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Coonabarabran's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 100 people (32%), from 316 to 417. Notably, all population growth will come from the combined 65+ age groups, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts.