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 an increase of 112 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,921. The growth 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 of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Coonabarabran's 1.4% growth since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decrease by 774 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected 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 six residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 33 homes. In FY26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

Additionally, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coonabarabran shows substantially reduced construction, at 85.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, although development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is 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 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones 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 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.

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

Coonabarabran has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 4.1%. As of June 2025, there are 3,240 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 47.0%, lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area has a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.2 times the regional level. Construction, however, has limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. An analysis of SALM and ABS data for the 12-month period ending June 2025 shows a decrease in labour force by 1.8%, alongside a 3.5% decline in employment, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment fall, a 0.3% labour force expansion, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $45,592 (median) and $56,036 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Coonabarabran all fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 income bracket dominated with 28.6% of residents (2,297 people), differing from patterns across the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 29.9%. While housing costs were modest with 91.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranked 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonabarabran was 52.7%, with 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. The median weekly rent in Coonabarabran was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Coonabarabran's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $871 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 account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.5%. 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's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.3%). Educational participation is high at 32.2%, including primary education (11.9%), secondary education (11.1%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

Coonabarabran has a network of 10 schools educating approximately 1,144 students, comprising 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

Coonabarabran has 471 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services operating across the town. There are 41 individual routes servicing these stops, offering a total of 338 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 204 meters, indicating good accessibility. On average, there are 48 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero 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 Rest of NSW's 49.7%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (8.9%) are the most prevalent conditions. Conversely, 59.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7% (2304 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 19.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 84.0% being Australian citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 67.0%, compared to 65.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (32.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%).

Notably, Maltese (0.4%) and Macedonian (0.1%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 0.0%, respectively. Irish ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 7.8%, versus 8.2% regionally.

Coonabarabran ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coonabarabran has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.1% of Coonabarabran's population, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.5%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 8.9% to 9.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Coonabarabran's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 86 people (29%), from 302 to 389. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of Coonabarabran's population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend. Conversely, populations in the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decline.