Gilgandra
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Gilgandra's population is around 4,452 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 54 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,398 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,409 in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Gilgandra's 1.2% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 52.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 455 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group projected to expand by 27 people.

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 per year over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 31 homes approved during this period. No dwelling approvals have been recorded in FY26 so far. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new homes built is $439,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In contrast, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gilgandra records significantly lower building activity, at 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Furthermore, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population-to-dwelling-approval ratio is 809 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Gilgandra's quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Gilgandra should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Gilgandra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects 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.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Gilgandra has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gilgandra's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. As of June 2025, there are 1964 employed residents, which is 0.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, but the participation rate is lower at 54.4%.

Key sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.6 times regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is under-represented at 5.3% compared to Rest of NSW's 9.7%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Gilgandra's labour force decreased by 1.8%, employment fell by 2.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years for Gilgandra, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw labour force decreasing by 1.8% combined with employment decreasing by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gilgandra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gilgandra's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately increase by 5.3%% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that Gilgandra has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $44,194 and the average is $50,243. In contrast, Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,767 (median) and $56,579 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Gilgandra fall between the 10th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.8% of Gilgandra's population earns within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

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

In Gilgandra, as per the latest Census, 92.9% of dwellings were houses with 7.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.0% houses and 12.1% 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 Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,450. Median weekly rent in Gilgandra was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Gilgandra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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. Gilgandra's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 559 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions across Gilgandra, with education provision balanced by 3 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (12.6) fall below the regional average (16.2), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Gilgandra has 209 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These are served by 22 routes that offer 184 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 239 meters.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Gilgandra faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (around 2,056 people), compared to 49.7% in the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (8.7%).

About 62.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 64.1% in the Rest of NSW. Gilgandra has a higher proportion of seniors, with 24.9% (around 1,107 people) aged 65 and over, compared to 19.5% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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. Christianity is the main religion in Gilgandra, comprising 70.8% of people, compared to 65.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.9%), English (30.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%).

There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Irish is overrepresented at 8.5%, compared to 8.2% regionally, and Scottish at 7.5%, compared to 6.6%.

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

Gilgandra has a median age of 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.1% of Gilgandra's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 0-4 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.3%, whereas the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, Gilgandra's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 9 people, reaching 395 from 361. This growth will be entirely due to the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 45-54 and 25-34 age groups.