Coonamble

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

Coonamble's population is around 4,103 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 177 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,926 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,077 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Coonamble's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 2.6%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 78.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 505 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow by 34 people.

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

Coonamble has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 31 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, three approvals have been recorded so far. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $562,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $6.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coonamble records elevated construction activity at 16.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this activity is below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 95.0% houses. This change likely reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Coonamble is 661 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Coonamble should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Coonamble has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Inland Rail from Narromine to Narrabri, Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, Aero Park Residential Estate, and Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan.

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

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The labour market performance in Coonamble lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Coonamble has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 5.5%.

At this time, there were 1,659 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries employing residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong with an employment share 5.8 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employs only 1% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Analysis from AreaSearch shows a decrease in labour force by 1.8% over one year alongside a 3.9% decline in employment, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections to Coonamble's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Coonamble SA2 had incomes below national averages. The median income was $43,964 and the average was $62,322. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,508 (median) and $70,181 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates Coonamble's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 28.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, aligning with metropolitan regions at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 91.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Coonamble, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonamble stood at 42.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.3%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,000 and significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $190, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $180 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.6% of all households, including 22.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (27.4%). Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (13.7%), secondary (9.3%), and tertiary (2.9%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Coonamble has 173 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 routes that together provide 185 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health issues in Coonamble, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,096 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most frequent medical conditions are asthma (11.3%) and arthritis (8.9%). 62.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Rest of NSW. Coonamble has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (747 people), lower than the 20.2% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those seen in the general population.

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

Coonamble's cultural diversity is low with 84.7% citizens, 96.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English at home. Christianity dominates Coonamble at 73.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 67.2%. Top ancestry groups are Australian (32.4%), English (24.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (22.1%).

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coonamble are Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, English, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 22.1% of the population.

Coonamble's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Coonamble is 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 years make up 8.9% of the population, while those aged 65-74 years constitute 9.6%. Comparing this with Rest of NSW, the 0-4 year-olds are more prominent in Coonamble, whereas the 65-74 year-olds are less so. From 2021 to present, the percentage of people aged 15-24 has increased from 10.6% to 12.1%, while those aged 45-54 have decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. Additionally, the 25-34 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 85 and above will increase by 25 individuals (a rise of 27%), from 93 to 119. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above are expected to contribute to 96% of Coonamble's total population growth. Conversely, the 75-84 year-old cohort and the 35-44 year-old cohort are projected to experience population declines.