Coonamble
Statistical Area - sa2

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 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Coonamble's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 78.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group with a projected increase of 34 people.

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

Coonamble averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 31 homes. In fiscal year 26 to date, 3 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $364,000. This financial year has seen $6.2 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Coonamble records somewhat elevated construction activity, with 16.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding the range of medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 95.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 661 people, reflecting Coonamble's quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Coonamble may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Coonamble has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could affect this region: Inland Rail from Narromine to Narrabri, Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, Aero Park Residential Estate, and Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%.

As of June 2025, the town has 1,659 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 7.3% (compared to Rest of NSW's 3.7%), and a workforce participation rate of 52.4% (versus Rest of NSW's 56.4%). Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Coonamble specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.8 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing is under-represented at 1.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Coonamble's labour force decreased by 1.8%, while employment declined by 3.9%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, the labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coonamble's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Coonamble had a median income among taxpayers of $43,964 and an average of $62,322. These figures are slightly lower than the national averages. Compared to Rest of NSW, Coonamble's median is $49,459 and average is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,508 (median) and $70,181 (average). Census 2021 income data places Coonamble's household, family, and personal incomes between the 18th and 24th percentiles nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 with 28.4% of residents (1,165 people), similar to surrounding 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%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,000. Weekly rent in Coonamble was recorded at $190, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $180. Nationally, Coonamble's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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, composed of 22.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 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 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (27.4%). Educational participation is high at 32.2%, with 13.7% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Coonamble has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 666 students. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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 are served by 19 individual routes, which together provide 185 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 157 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one trip per week for each 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 challenges 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. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. About 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 some challenges, largely mirroring those of 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 was below average. Its population comprised 84.7% citizens, with 96.2% born in Australia and 97.6% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 73.9%, compared to 67.2% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.4%), English (24.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (22.1%).

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 the 0-4 year-olds comprise 8.9% of the population, while the 65-74 year-old group makes up 9.6%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 10.6% to 12.1%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to increase by 25 people (27%), from 93 to 119. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 96% of total population growth. Conversely, the 75-84 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.