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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Cootamundra is $490k, with units at $397k. House values have moved 7.6% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Cootamundra has an estimated 7,729 residents. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As evaluated by AreaSearch, the resident count of Cootamundra stands at approximately 7,729 as of Aug 2026, marking an addition of 24 people (0.3%) over the 7,705 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This progression is based on the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 7,727 alongside 49 validated new addresses registered following the Census date. With a density of 4.7 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers considerable space per resident. Furthermore, the 0.3% post-census increase sits within 2.1 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (2.4%), demonstrating sound growth dynamics that have been almost entirely underpinned by overseas migration in recent times.
Population projections for each SA2 area utilise ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, while areas outside this dataset rely on NSW State Government SA2 projections issued in 2022 using 2021 as the baseline. Across all localities, age cohort growth rates from these datasets are projected forward for 2032 to 2041. Looking to future demographic shifts, regional expansion is anticipated to sit within the lower quartile nationally, with Cootamundra projected to add 255 persons by 2041 according to recent annual ERP data, representing an overall increase of 3.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
98 new dwellings have been approved in Cootamundra over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That is 2.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential construction in Cootamundra has seen an average of 19 new dwelling approvals per year, accumulating to 98 homes over the past 5 financial years. With an inflow averaging 0.2 people per year per approved home between FY-22 and FY-26 across the past 5 financial years, residential supply has comfortably matched or outpaced demand to maintain buyer choice and support prospective population expansion beyond current forecasts, with new homes carrying an average expected construction cost of $406,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals reached $7.0 million this financial year, underscoring the predominantly residential focus of the local planning pipeline.
Per capita dwelling approvals in Cootamundra track at approximately half the level observed across Rest of NSW and place within the 23rd percentile nationally, creating comparatively tighter buyer options and sustaining interest in the established residential market. This pace remains below the national average, pointing to a mature urban environment and potential planning constraints. Detached houses comprise 94.0% of recent approvals while townhouses or apartments make up 6.0%, preserving the low-density neighborhood character and catering to family households seeking spacious layouts. An estimated 687 people per approved home further illustrates the subdued scale of local construction activity. According to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, Cootamundra is anticipated to expand by 253 residents through to 2041. Given existing building approval volumes, upcoming housing stock is well positioned to satisfy local residential requirements, sustaining favorable conditions for purchasers while accommodating growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cootamundra
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Cootamundra, worth an estimated $1 million. A further 108 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $16.6 billion. 33 are already under construction and 41 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, residential development and environmental & disaster management. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure works, planning schemes, and major developments exert a significant influence on the area's ongoing trajectory. AreaSearch has highlighted 3 projects likely to impact the locality, including The Wired Lab - The Church (Muttama Cultural Tourism Project), Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, and the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Wired Lab - The Church (Muttama Cultural Tourism Project)
Redevelopment of the deconsecrated Church of the Immaculate Conception at Muttama into 'The Church' - a multi-purpose cultural destination and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Features include a Wiradyuri Yarning Circle, an ambisonic sound array of commissioned deep listening experiences in the original nave, the permanent 'Telepathy' anechoic chamber installation by David Haines and Joyce Hinterding, and adjoining boutique accommodation for resident artists and visitors. Guided by Winhangadhurinya - a Wiradjuri concept meaning deep listening and interconnectedness.Funded through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal
The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail involves constructing approximately 39 kilometres of new single-track standard-gauge freight railway bypass around the Bethungra Spiral. The scope delivers significant grade-separation structures, watercourse bridges, a crossing loop, and connections to the existing Main South and Lake Cargelligo lines. The project has received state and federal planning approvals, positioning the route for ongoing pre-construction civil works.
Harden Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade
Remediation and upgrade of the Harden sewage treatment plant to restore and improve performance following storm and flood impacts. Works included rehabilitation and realignment of treatment ponds, construction of spillways, and upgrades to recycled water rising mains. Council indicated works commencing December 2024 with completion targeted for April 2025; project is now treated as complete.
Smart Water Meter Replacement Program
Regional program to replace existing water meters with smart meters across Young and surrounding areas. Enables remote monitoring, improved leak detection, and enhanced water usage management for both council and residents.
Dog on the Tuckerbox Site - Proposed Mixed-Use Development (DA2023/116)
Development Application for a proposed mixed-use development at the Dog on the Tuckerbox site, including office, retail, and food and drink premises.
Annie Pyers Drive Upgrade
An upgrade project for Annie Pyers Drive in the Cootamundra-Gundagai region.
Water Reticulation System Extension to Dog on the Tuckerbox Site
This project will bring the supply of potable water to the Dog on the Tuckerbox precinct, enhancing planned development at the site and allowing for future expansion.
MACTON Industrial Subdivision
Prestige industrial land subdivision creating 10 fully serviced lots for industrial, warehousing, and logistics uses, with concrete paved cul-de-sac, security fencing, and B-Double route approval. The subdivision is physically complete and council compliant, with some lots sold and remaining lots available for purchase.
3,000 residents of Cootamundra are employed, from a labour force of 3,104. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 47.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Cootamundra maintains an even employment spread between blue-collar and white-collar roles, supported by strong representation across essential services and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. There were 3,000 residents actively employed as of March 2026, while the jobless rate tracking 0.8% below the 4.1% recorded in Regional NSW is paired with a workforce participation rate of 47.8%, well below the 60.6% seen across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 10.3% of workers worked from home, a metric that may reflect the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Local employment is concentrated primarily within health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.
Agricultural specialization is especially pronounced, with the employment proportion in agriculture, forestry & fishing reaching 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food accounts for only 5.1% of the workforce, below the 7.8% registered across Regional NSW. Comparative analysis of the Census working population against resident workers suggests a relatively constrained pool of jobs located within the immediate area. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM metrics over the 12-month period shows a 3.5% decrease in the local labour force alongside a 2.8% employment decline, which together reduced the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Across Regional NSW over the same period, employment fell by 0.9%, the labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Broader national projections released in Mar-26 by Jobs and Skills Australia forecast overall employment to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry growth varies. Applying these national sector trajectories to Cootamundra's specific industry distribution indicates potential local job growth of 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, serving as an illustrative weighted extrapolation that excludes localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cootamundra is $1,054 a week (about $55,000 a year), with median personal income at $592 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,048 a year against an average of $58,797. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO figures at the postcode level for financial year 2023 indicate that earnings within the Cootamundra SA2 track below national benchmarks, recording a median income of $48,048 and an average income of $58,797, compared to $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023 brings estimated figures to approximately $53,007 (median) and $64,865 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places personal, family, and household incomes in Cootamundra within the 5th to 10th percentiles nationally. The largest income cohort comprises 2,287 residents (29.6%) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with the wider region where 29.9% earn $1,500 - 2,999.
Although housing affordability enables residents to retain 88.8% of income, overall disposable income ranks at the 10th percentile across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cootamundra had 3,171 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 1% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $219 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,111 a month. Rent absorbs 20.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential stock in Cootamundra at the latest Census was comprised of 92.4% detached houses and 7.6% semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Outright home ownership stood at 50.7%, substantially higher than regional norms, while mortgaged properties accounted for 25.9% and rental housing represented 23.4%. Housing costs remain comparatively low, with the median monthly mortgage repayment standing at $1,111 and median weekly rent at $219, compared to $1,733 and $330 across Regional NSW. On a national level, repayments are significantly below the Australian median mortgage of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cootamundra counted 3,171 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 35% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 65.9% of all local households, divided between couples without children (34.7%), couples with children (20.4%), and single parent families (10.1%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.1%, consisting predominantly of lone person households (32.3%) and a minor share of group households (1.7%). The median household size is 2.2 people, tracking slightly below the Regional NSW figure of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.4% of adults in Cootamundra hold a university qualification, including 10.0% with a bachelor degree and 1.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 90% of areas nationally. A further 30.5% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 918 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 921 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment of higher education qualifications in the area is relatively low, with university qualification levels standing at 13.4% compared to the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. Among formal degrees, Bachelor degrees represent 10.0%, postgraduate qualifications account for 1.8%, and graduate diplomas make up 1.6%. In contrast, vocational and technical qualifications are widespread, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials including certificates (30.5%) and advanced diplomas (10.4%). Participation in study is robust, with 25.0% of local residents actively undertaking formal education. Enrolments include 10.0% of the population in primary education, 8.1% attending secondary education, and 1.5% engaged in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Cootamundra reaches 277 stops on 40 routes, timetabled for about 990 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The public transit network in Cootamundra incorporates 277 active transport stops across train and bus services, operated via 40 individual routes that deliver 989 weekly passenger trips. Stop accessibility is rated as excellent, situated an average of 183 meters from local residents. Outbound commuting is standard in this largely residential setting, with private vehicles accounting for 91% of trips and walking representing 6%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional figure, while 10.3% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all transit lines, route frequency averages 141 trips per day, corresponding to roughly 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying mapping displays the 100 nearest stops relative to the centrepoint of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
56.5% of residents in Cootamundra report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 81% of areas nationally. 8.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators compiled by AreaSearch regarding mortality and chronic disease point to distinct community challenges in Cootamundra, with frequent health conditions apparent among both younger and older residents. Private health insurance coverage is limited, held by approximately 48% of the population (~3,740 people), trailing the Regional NSW level of 51.9% and the national mark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues represent the primary diagnosed medical conditions in the area, recorded among 12.9 and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 56.5% of people reported no long-term health ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Chronic conditions are elevated within the working-age population, while residents aged 65 and over comprise 33.8% of the community (2,612 people), higher than the 23.3% observed across Regional NSW. Health measures for older cohorts reflect some difficulties, aligning broadly with broader national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cootamundra is largely Australian-born, at 92.6% of residents, with 2.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.5%) and Australian (32.9%). 4.9% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Cootamundra is below wider averages, with 92.6% of residents born in Australia, 91.5% holding Australian citizenship, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity represents the predominant religious affiliation, adhered to by 69.0% of the local population compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Regarding parental country of birth, the primary reported ancestries are English (33.5%), Australian (32.9%), and Irish (10.7%). Other cultural representations show slight variations against broader trends, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry recorded at 4.9% (compared to 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 7.6% (compared to 8.0%), and German at 3.2% (compared to 3.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cootamundra is 51, older than 92% of areas nationally. 18.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Cootamundra's demographic profile is heavily weighted toward senior age brackets. AreaSearch estimates for August 2026 place 33.8% of the population in the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+), compared to 23.3% in Regional NSW, whereas young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 15.9% against 23.5% regionally. The estimated median age of 51 as at August 2026 remains unchanged from the 2021 Census, sitting 8 years above the Regional NSW figure of 43 and above the national median of 38 at that Census. The retiree and elderly cohorts increased from 30.9% to an estimated 33.8% of residents since the Census and are projected to generate most future growth, adding 204 residents (8%) to reach 2,816 by 2041, while child and young adult cohorts are forecast to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cootamundra
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 49 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (7,705 at the 2021 Census → 7,729 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (113031263). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.