Coonamble

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coonamble's population is around 4,122 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 196 people (5.0%) 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 population level equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Coonamble's 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 78.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 505 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 grow by 34 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Coonamble has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 31 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $364,000. Additionally, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Coonamble records somewhat elevated construction (16.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, 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 represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 95.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 661 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its 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 14thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri, Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, Aero Park Residential Estate, and Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, 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 labour market performance in Coonamble lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Coonamble possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. As of December 2025, 1,639 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 5.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Coonamble's workforce compared to 5.8% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.2% while employment declined by 5.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, 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 Coonamble. 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 Coonamble's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Coonamble SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,133, with an average of $67,024. This is approximately average nationally, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,220 (median) and $72,962 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Coonamble all fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.4% of residents (1,170 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. While housing costs are modest with 91.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 26th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Coonamble, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.1% 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 Coonamble was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 42.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.3%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $190, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Coonamble's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coonamble features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 65.6% of all households, comprising 22.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Coonamble 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 (16.2%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (27.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 193 active transport stops operating within Coonamble, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 195 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Coonamble is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Coonamble, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,147 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 11.3 and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 62.7% 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 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (732 people), which is lower 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 Coonamble placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coonamble was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its population being citizens, 96.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Coonamble is Christianity, which makes up 73.9% of people in Coonamble, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 22.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Coonamble's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 37-year median age in Coonamble is considerably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 as well as very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 0 - 4 year-olds are particularly prominent (9.2%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (9.4%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.7% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.0% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Coonamble's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 27 people (30%) from 91 to 119. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 93% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 75 to 84 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.