Cootamundra
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 7,744 as of August 2025. This figure indicates an increase of 39 people, representing a 0.5% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,705. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,722 in June 2024 and the addition of 18 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 4.7 persons per square kilometer. Cootamundra's 0.5% growth since the Census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.3%), suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth in regional areas nationwide, with Cootamundra expected to expand by 299 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.6% 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 2 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 0.2 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average development value of new dwellings is approximately $423,000, consistent with regional patterns. This financial year, around $7.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cootamundra has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 19th percentile of areas assessed for new dwelling approvals, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity in Cootamundra shows a focus on standalone homes, with 93.0% being standalone dwellings and 7.0% medium to high-density housing. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, appealing to those seeking space for families. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 815 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Cootamundra will gain approximately 277 residents by 2041. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Three projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: 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.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.1% over the past year.

There were 3,053 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 0.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Cootamundra was significantly lower at 46.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

However, accommodation & food services had limited presence at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 7.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 8.1% while labour force grew by 8.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, with the labour force growing by 0.3% and unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 showed employment had contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lagged behind national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cootamundra's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

Cootamundra's median taxpayer income was $46,642 and average income was $59,925 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). By March 2025, estimates based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $51,586 and average income will be around $66,277. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cootamundra fall between the 5th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of locals (2,292 people) earn between $400 - 799 per week, contrasting with the surrounding region where the highest earning bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 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

The latest Census showed that in Cootamundra, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 88.4% houses and 11.7% 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 $1,430. Weekly rent in Cootamundra was $219, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Cootamundra's median mortgage repayment is significantly lower at $1,111 than the Australian average of $1,863, and its weekly rent figure is substantially lower at $219 compared to the national average 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 make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 - advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 30.5%. Educational participation is high, with 25.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

Seven schools operate within Cootamundra, educating approximately 918 students. The school mix includes four primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are 11.8, below the regional average of 15.3, with some students possibly attending schools in nearby areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 262 active transport stops operating within Cootamundra. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 51 individual routes, providing a total of 937 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 133 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per stop.

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

Cootamundra faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately half of its population (around 3,833 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 56.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.5% in Rest of NSW. Cootamundra has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.8% (2,536 people), compared to 19.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity is below average, with 91.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 69.0%, compared to 64.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.5%), Australian (32.9%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 4.9% than the regional average of 4.5%. Scottish and German representations are lower at 7.6% and 3.2%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 3.9%.

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 age cohort (12.1% locally) while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented (7.9%). This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 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 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.9%. By 2041, Cootamundra is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 57%, reaching 522 people from 332, leading the demographic shift. 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 see reduced numbers.