Coonabarabran

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coonabarabran's population is around 7,969 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 48 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,921 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,946 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Coonabarabran's 0.6% growth since the census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 774 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by 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 around 6 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 33 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while 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.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Coonabarabran shows substantially reduced construction (85.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to 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, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This shows 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 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oxley Highway Improvements at Goolhi, Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri, Valley of the Winds Wind Farm, and Liverpool Range Wind Farm, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. As of December 2025, 3,225 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (50.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.5% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.1% alongside a 5.0% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Coonabarabran. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Coonabarabran's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Coonabarabran SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Coonabarabran SA2's median income among taxpayers is $41,843 and the average income stands at $49,833, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,550 (median) and $54,248 (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 bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (2,279 people), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 91.2% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Coonabarabran, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.0% 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 Coonabarabran was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 52.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $871, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Coonabarabran's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 65.0% of all households, comprising 21.9% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 495 active transport stops operating within Coonabarabran, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 42 individual routes, collectively providing 434 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 19.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 62 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Coonabarabran, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,665 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.6 and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,284 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.0% of its population being citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Coonabarabran is Christianity, which makes up 67.0% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coonabarabran are Australian, comprising 33.3% of the population, English, comprising 32.6% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Coonabarabran (vs 0.4% regionally), Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.4%) and Irish at 7.8% (vs 8.8%).

Coonabarabran ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Coonabarabran is notably exceeding the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is also well above the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.2% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.6%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Coonabarabran's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 92 people (31%) from 296 to 389. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts.