Cootamundra

Cootamundra is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Cootamundra's population was 7,705 according to the 2021 Census. By Feb 2026, it had increased to around 7,796, a rise of 91 people (1.2%). This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,722 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 4.7 persons per square kilometer at this time. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

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 used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 299 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Cootamundra, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Cootamundra has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually, with a total of 109 homes approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25. In the current fiscal year FY-26, 9 homes have been approved so far. The average population increase per dwelling built over the past five financial years has been 0.2 people.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choices and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $293,000. In FY-26, $7.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Comparatively, Cootamundra demonstrates approximately 57% of the construction activity per person when compared to the Rest of NSW.

Nationally, it ranks among the 18th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is indicative of the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New development in Cootamundra consists of 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 815 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, Cootamundra is projected to grow by 225 residents by the year 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Cootamundra has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect the region: The Wired Lab - The Church (Muttama Cultural Tourism Project), Inland Rail from Illabo to Stockinbingal, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development. These are the most relevant projects.

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 Cootamundra shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Cootamundra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 3.6%, and estimated employment growth of 4.0% in the past year (as of September 2025). The unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 48.0%, significantly below Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

Census responses show that 10.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.1%, compared to 7.8% regionally.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and August 2025, employment increased by 4.0% while the labour force rose by 4.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cootamundra's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Cootamundra SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,048 and an average of $58,797 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,305 (median) and $64,006 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Cootamundra fall between the 5th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of locals (2,307 people) earn between $400 - $799, contrasting with surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.8% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

In Cootamundra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with 7.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cootamundra stood at 50.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,111, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cootamundra was $219, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Cootamundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,111 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.9% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

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

Cootamundra has 274 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 39 individual routes, providing a total of 925 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 91%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 10.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 132 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Cootamundra faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,773 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 56.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.3% (2,595 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Cootamundra, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens: 91.5% were citizens, 92.6% were born in Australia, and 97.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 69.0% adherents, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (32.9%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.9%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Scottish and German representations were also slightly higher at 7.6% and 3.2% respectively, versus regional averages of 8.0% and 3.1%.

Cootamundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cootamundra's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Cootamundra, comprising 16.7% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average. Conversely, the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 7.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.5%. However, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.6%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, Cootamundra is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 45%, reaching 522 people from 360. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.