Area profile · Rest of NSW
Cowra has an estimated 9,182 residents, down 1.0% since the 2021 Census, with 12 projects tracked in Cowra.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Cowra Statistical Area (Lv2) lies 166 kilometres north-northwest from Canberra CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 9,182 as of Aug 2026, reflecting minimal change from the 2021 Census count of 9,273 people. The latest ERP outputs from the ABS and new addresses added since the Census indicate no significant movements. Cowra’s profile includes above-average children per family, strong outright home ownership, affordable housing options and a low average household size, alongside notable wholesale trade employment and elevated retail trade employment.
Residents have a comparatively older age profile, with a median age of 45, and many live in lone person households. The area has a typically lower education level and lower-quartile incomes, with limited population expansion patterns. Sales volumes are significantly above average relative to population. Cowra’s natural beauty, rich history and welcoming community are reflected in its Japanese Garden, heritage and wine industry, boutique wineries and fine dining, as well as agriculture, including spring canola fields.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 9,928 in 2001 and 9,130 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 9,182 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 65 to 74, 13.2%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $400 - 799, 28.6%.
Cowra ranks in the 81st percentile nationally for sales activity and the 52nd for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Cowra is $400 a week, up 10.0% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 31% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.4%.
31% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $255 in 2017, $400 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $176 in 2017, $270 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 Macquarie Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $530,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 25 Dawson Drive, Cowra NSW 2794 | $660,000 | 22 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 37 Watt Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $339,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 4 Phillips Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $585,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 7 Harvest Circuit, Cowra NSW 2794 | $625,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 3 Dawson Drive, Cowra NSW 2794 | $500,000 | 10 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 20 Elizabeth Avenue, Cowra NSW 2794 | $750,000 | 7 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 64 Darling Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $375,000 | 4 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 41 Victor Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $450,000 | 2 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 36 Logan Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | $370,000 | 2 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 42 residential sales recorded since 12 Jun 2026 (the latest settled 25 Sep 2026), newest first. The median of these 42, houses and units together, was $447,500 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to September 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $400 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +10.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.4% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $485k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $380k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $447,500 | Median of the 42 most recent residential sales, settled 12 Jun 2026 to 25 Sep 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $400 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Lachlan Valley | $408 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Lachlan Valley, over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Central West | $514 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Central West, over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 136 tracked applications: 38 approved, 22 under assessment, 76 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 12 projects in Cowra (3 under construction) and 77 more in the surrounding area.
A rolling program of safety upgrades along the Olympic Highway corridor.
A residential development featuring a community title seniors independent living project with 100 detached two-bedroom residences, a…
A seniors housing development consisting of 21 townhouses in a residential area close to essential services.
Chardonnay Hills Estate is a residential subdivision located on the northwest side of Cowra Township in New South Wales, offering 66…
A lifestyle residential estate with 14 large lots ranging from 5 to 8.5 acres on 37.56 hectares, offering creek frontage on five lots…
A 110-allotment residential subdivision adjoining Chardonnay Hills Estate and adjacent to Cowra High School, approved for construction.
Proposed redevelopment of commercial property to create modern office and retail spaces.
Proposed expansion of existing retail plaza to include additional shop spaces, improved parking facilities, and enhanced customer amenities.
New residential subdivision development featuring approximately 15-20 residential lots.
The Cowra Drought Security Project has completed a 26-kilometre pipeline from the Billimari bore fields to the Lachlan River Pump Station…
A $110.2 million redevelopment of Cowra Hospital featuring new emergency department, inpatient wards, maternity unit, palliative care…
Comprehensive drought resilience planning initiative developed with the Future Drought Fund in partnership with Orange, Blayney, Cabonne…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 45 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2023 1, 2024 0, 2025 11, 2026 10, 2027 9, 2028 3, 2029 5, 2030 4, 2031 0, 2032 1, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 0, 2036 1. 21 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 136 substantial development applications lodged in and around Cowra over the past 5 years, 87 in the last 12 months; 22 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 5, 2022 13, 2023 8, 2024 10, 2025 17, 2026 (to Oct) 83.
Key application 14 Short Street, Cowra Childcare | $4.1m
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 136 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 87 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 3.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 40th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 28 | ABS building approvals | 40th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 38 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 22 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Cowra SA2 include: Yarrabilly Estate (Approved); Chardonnay Hills Estate (Construction); Cowra Drought Resilience Plan (Approved); Bonsai Gardens Estate (Approved); and Cowra High School Adjacent Residential Subdivision (Approved). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Cowra SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Environmental & Disaster Management, and Retail, among others.
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates targeted investment in infrastructure improvements that will benefit the local area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the Cowra SA2 vicinity.
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AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Cowra, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Cowra SA2 area has seen 50 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Cowra SA2's current population of 9,182 has been supported by 28 approvals on average over recent years.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Cowra SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 28, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the Cowra SA2 has seen 140 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Cowra is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,182 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | -1.0% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 38 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 9,273 | 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 242.20 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Cowra SA2 was estimated to be approximately 9,182 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 9,130 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The cowra sa2 has lost approximately 91 people and shown a 0.98% decrease from the 9,273 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Cowra SA2 is estimated at 38 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Cowra SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.2% per annum.
Population growth in the Cowra SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (100.0%), Natural increase (0.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 100.0% of overall population gains.
Cowra hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 45 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 78th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 25.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 18.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 22.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 44.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 45 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 10.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 13.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 9.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Cowra SA2 at 45 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 45 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 45 years as at August 2026, Cowra is 2 years older than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 7 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Cowra SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 9.2% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Cowra SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 10.3% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Cowra SA2 is broadly in line with Regional NSW.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 18.0% of the population in the Cowra SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 25.9% of the population in the Cowra SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $50,094 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 16th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $57,867 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,078 | 2021 Census, weekly | 6th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $607 | 2021 Census, weekly | 12th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 8.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,427 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 37.5% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Cowra SA2 is approximately $53,290. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $50,094.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Cowra SA2 is approximately $61,559. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $57,867.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Cowra SA2 is approximately $53,290 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $50,094 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Cowra SA2 is approximately $61,559 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $57,867 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Cowra SA2's households (~28.6% / 1,075 households) is the $400 - 799 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Cowra SA2 is the $400 - 799 group, representing about 28.6% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Cowra SA2 is $1,078/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Cowra SA2 is $1,427/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Cowra SA2 is $607/wk.
The Cowra SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Cowra SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,094 and the average income stands at $57,867, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $53,290 (median) and $61,559 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Cowra SA2 is $4,044 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The cowra sa2's disposable income is $4,044 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch assessment indicates Cowra faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 58.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 4,117 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 8,950 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 4,390 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Cowra SA2 has approximately 4,117 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 6.2%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Cowra SA2 stands at 6.2%, which is 2.1 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Cowra SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (17.0% of employment), retail trade (11.6%), and education & training (8.8%). Other significant employers include agriculture, forestry & fishing and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Cowra SA2 has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Cowra SA2 is 58.9%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional NSW.
The cowra sa2 shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 8.7% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The cowra sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 11.8% growth, ranking 6th out of 37 regions nationally.
Cowra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 9.5% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 13.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 30.8% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.9% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 47.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 27.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.3% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
13.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Cowra SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
47.2% of people aged 15 and over in the Cowra SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The cowra sa2 ranks in the 10th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Cowra SA2 are: Certificate (30.8%), Bachelor Degree (9.5%), Advanced Diploma (8.9%).
27.1% of the population in the Cowra SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.5% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, 1.6% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Cowra SA2 is 920, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 6 schools within the Cowra SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,655 students.
The cowra sa2 includes 3 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 2 combined schools.
Cowra features high concentrations of lone person households but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.3 people | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 34.6% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 21.4% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 28.4% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.2% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 3,760 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 3,723 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 63.1% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.1 per family | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Cowra SA2 had 3,760 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has remained relatively stable to an estimated 3,723 households today.
The average household size in the Cowra SA2 is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 63.1% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (34.6%), group households (2.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,373 family households, couples with children account for 21.4% of all households, couples without children at home 28.4%, and single parent families 12.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Cowra SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 34.6% (versus 27.9% in Regional NSW). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 63.1% compared to 68.8% in Regional NSW. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Cowra SA2 have an average of 2.1 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 42.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 34.4% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 34.6% of all households in the Cowra SA2, higher than the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.3% of households, below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Cowra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 4.6% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 95.4% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 91.0% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 92.4% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 7.4% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
Cowra was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 92.4% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Cowra was found to be Christianity, which makes up 69.1% of people in Cowra. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cowra are Australian, comprising 32.9% of the population, English, comprising 31.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 7.4% of Cowra (vs 4.6% across Regional NSW), Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and Scottish at 7.3% (vs 8.0%).
7.6% of the Cowra SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
4.6% of the population in the Cowra SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
7.4% of the Cowra SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
91.0% of the Cowra SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Cowra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 30.8% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 42.8% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 90.0% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,213 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 14th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 26.4% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 7.0% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $230 | 2021 Census, weekly | 9th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 56th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 67th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
In the Cowra SA2, 42.8% of homes are owned outright, 26.4% are owned with a mortgage, and 30.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 90.0% of dwellings in the Cowra SA2 are houses.
In the Cowra SA2, 2.4% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 7.0% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Cowra SA2 stands at 42.8%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Cowra SA2 is $1,213, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Cowra SA2 is $627, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Cowra SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 26.0% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Cowra SA2 is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Cowra SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 26.0% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 21.3% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Cowra SA2 consists of 90.0% detached houses, 7.0% semi-detached dwellings, 2.4% apartments, and 0.6% other dwelling types.
Housing in Cowra consumes approximately 13.4% of median household income ($4,668 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Cowra show attached dwellings contributing 20% of approvals compared to 10% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 80% of applications versus 90% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Cowra is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 47.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 8th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 60.3% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 8.8% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 70.1% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
Around 47.1% of people in the Cowra SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Cowra SA2, 8.8% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
8.7% of people in the Cowra SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.6% of the Cowra SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.6% of people in the Cowra SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Cowra SA2, 47.1% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 52 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 280 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 96th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,043 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 35th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 33 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 33 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 6.9% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 280 public transport stops within the Cowra SA2.
The Cowra SA2 has 1,043 weekly trips across 33 routes, averaging 149 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 180 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 1.1 km away and the nearest child care centre 1.8 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 280 stops nearby, 1,043 weekly trips, access rating 52 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 45 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 45th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest bank | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 2.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 65.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 4 long day care centres with 267 places in Cowra, about 2.0 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
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An area report on Cowra is built to order and emailed to you.
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Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Cowra.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Cowra, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Cowra has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Cowra's affordable property market has recorded 261 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 83% residential, 13% commercial and 5% vacant land transactions.
Cowra is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
Cowra hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch assessment indicates Cowra faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets.
Cowra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Cowra features high concentrations of lone person households but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
Cowra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Cowra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Cowra is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be in line with the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Cowra has an estimated 9,182 residents, down 1.0% since the 2021 Census, with 12 projects tracked in Cowra.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Cowra.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Sep 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (103021063). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Cowra from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Cowra with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.