Coonamble

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

Coonamble's population was approximately 4,103 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 177 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,926. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,077 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Coonamble's 4.5% growth rate from 2021 to November 2025 exceeded both its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, indicating strong growth compared to nearby areas. Natural growth contributed approximately 78.3% of overall 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Coonamble's population is expected to decline by 505 persons by 2041, while the 85 and over age group is projected to grow by 34 people during this period.

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. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded so far. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, offering buyers good choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $364,000.

In this financial year, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coonamble records somewhat elevated construction activity (16.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding 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 95.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 661 people, reflecting Coonamble's quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to influence the region. Notable projects are 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 provides details on 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.

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

Coonamble's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of September 2025.

In this month, 1,632 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed strong specialization with an employment share 5.8 times the regional level.

Manufacturing was under-represented at 1.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.3% and employment declined by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment stood at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coonamble's employment mix, local employment was estimated to grow by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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 indicates that Coonamble SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,964 and an average of $62,322. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,508 (median) and $70,181 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Coonamble fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 28.4% of residents (1,165 people), consistent with 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

In Coonamble, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonamble stood at 42.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's rate. The majority of non-owned dwellings were mortgaged (25.3%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,000 and significantly below the national average of $1,863 as recorded in June 2021. The median weekly rent figure in Coonamble was $190, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $180 and substantially lower than the national figure of $375 reported on 1 July 2021.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 held by 35.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 27.4%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.7% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 173 active transport stops operating within Coonamble. These include a mix of train and bus services. Nineteen individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 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, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

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

Coonamble faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of 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 in the region, affecting 11.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 62.7% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has an 18.2% senior population aged 65 and over (747 people), lower than the 20.2% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally mirroring the overall health profile of the 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.7% of its residents being citizens, 96.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English at home as their primary language. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coonamble, accounting for 73.9% of the population, compared to 67.2% in the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were 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 and close to the 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 comprise 9.6%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 15-24 has increased from 10.6% to 12.1%, while the percentages for those aged 45-54 have decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%, and those aged 25-34 have dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 85+ will increase by 25 individuals (a 27% rise) from 93 to 119. The combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 96% of total population growth, reflecting Coonamble's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the projections suggest declines in the populations aged 75-84 and 35-44 years.