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

As of November 2025, Cootamundra's population is approximately 7,746, indicating a rise of 41 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,705. This increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,722 in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density ratio stands at 4.7 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022, using 2021 as the base year, are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Cootamundra is projected to expand by 299 persons based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of approximately 3.5% 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 109 homes were approved, with an additional nine approved in FY-26 as of now. On average, about 0.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings in Cootamundra is around $293,000. In the current financial year, $7.0 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Cootamundra shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person when compared to the Rest of NSW.

Nationally, it places among the 18th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially pointing to possible planning constraints. New development in Cootamundra consists of 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 815 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Cootamundra is expected to grow by 275 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting 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.

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

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The employment landscape in Cootamundra shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Cootamundra has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.0%. As of September 2025, there were 3,016 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 48.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.3% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notably high concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to the regional average of 7.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and August 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force rose by 4.8%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cootamundra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Cootamundra SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,048 and an average of $58,797 in financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $52,305 and the average $64,006, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cootamundra fell between the 5th and 10th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution showed that 29.6% of locals (2,292 people) earned between $400 - $799, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket was dominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.8% income retention, total disposable income ranked 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 the remaining 7.6% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cootamundra stood at 50.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 25.9% and rented properties making up 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,111, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Cootamundra was recorded at $219, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Cootamundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 65.9 percent of all households, including 20.4 percent couples with children, 34.7 percent couples without children, and 10.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1 percent, with lone person households at 32.3 percent and group households comprising 1.7 percent of the total. 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+ 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, comprising 10.0% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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 are serviced by 39 routes providing 925 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically 187 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (91%), with 6% walking. 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 daily across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. An 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,749 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (9.4%). 56.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Cootamundra has 32.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,536 people), higher than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 comprised 91.5% citizens, with 92.6% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practised by 69.0% of residents, 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 representation stood at 7.6% (vs 8.0%) and German at 3.2% (vs 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. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Cootamundra has a notably over-represented 75-84 cohort (12.1% locally) while under-representing the 35-44 age group (7.9%). This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, Cootamundra's 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has declined from 8.9% to 7.9%. By 2041, Cootamundra is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ age group will grow by 57%, reaching 522 people from an initial 332. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 57% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.