Gilgandra

Gilgandra has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Gilgandra's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 4,426 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 28 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,398. The growth from June 2025's estimated resident population of 4,426 and an additional 75 validated new addresses is inferred. Gilgandra's population density stands at 0.80 persons per square kilometer. The town's 0.6% growth since the census places it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 2.8%. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 53.2% of Gilgandra's population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Gilgandra's population is projected to decrease by 468 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 age group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 36 people in this cohort.

The level of residential development activity in Gilgandra is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gilgandra averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 31 homes approved during this period. As of FY-26, ten dwellings have been approved so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost for new homes is $439,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gilgandra has significantly lower building activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area's activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent development has been detached dwellings, maintaining Gilgandra's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 809 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population expected, Gilgandra may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Gilgandra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could significantly impact a region's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. These include Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, Aero Park Residential Estate, Gilgandra Solar Farm, and Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Gilgandra exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gilgandra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented, including essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%. As of December 2025, 1,962 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Gilgandra is 56.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Gilgandra has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.6 times the regional level).

However, construction is under-represented with only 5.3% of its workforce compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Gilgandra's labour force decreased by 5.1% and employment decreased by 4.3%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional NSW had an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Gilgandra's employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Gilgandra SA2 has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $44,633 and the average income stands at $52,123. Regional NSW figures are higher with a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,239 (median) and $57,502 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reveals Gilgandra's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.8% (1,274 individuals) earn between $800 - $1,499, unlike regional trends where 29.9% earn $1,500 - $2,999. Housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

Gilgandra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilgandra stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.8% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Gilgandra was $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gilgandra's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gilgandra has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.1% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (31.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gilgandra has 211 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 routes, providing 205 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 237 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (86%), with 9% walking. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Gilgandra faces substantial health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Gilgandra is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,027 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.2% of residents) and asthma (8.7%), while 62.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Gilgandra has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,117 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Gilgandra was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 87.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 96.2% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Gilgandra is Christianity, accounting for 70.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (34.9%), English (30.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Irish and Scottish ethnicities are overrepresented in Gilgandra at 8.5% and 7.5%, respectively, compared to their regional averages of 8.8% and 8.0%.

Gilgandra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Gilgandra's median age is 46, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 has strong representation in Gilgandra at 15.2%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65 to 74 age group increased from 12.8% to 14.1% of Gilgandra's population, and the 0 to 4 cohort rose from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort decreased from 10.4% to 8.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 10.9%. By 2041, Gilgandra is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 12 people, reaching 400 from 357, leading the demographic shift. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of Gilgandra's projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.