Gilgandra

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

Gilgandra's population was around 4,434 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 36 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS reported an estimated resident population of 4,409 in June 2024, with an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Gilgandra's 0.8% growth since census is within 2.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's 3.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth accounted for approximately 52.6% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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 decline by 455 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is 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 has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 31 homes were approved, with four more approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $439,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $1.6 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gilgandra has markedly lower building activity, at 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent development has been detached dwellings, maintaining Gilgandra's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 809 people, indicating a 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 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Gilgandra has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gilgandra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, and the unemployment rate is 3.1%. As of September 2025, 1959 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is slightly below standard at 57.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census data, 19.9% of Gilgandra residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.6 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is under-represented at 5.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 9.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, with Census working population lower than resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Gilgandra's labour force decreased by 4.1%, while unemployment remained stable. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gilgandra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 had lower incomes than average nationally. The median income was $44,633 and the average was $52,123. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $48,587 (median) and $56,741 (average). The 2021 Census revealed Gilgandra's household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 10th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed 28.8% of Gilgandra residents earned between $800 - $1,499 annually. Housing costs were modest, with 89.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

In Gilgandra, as recorded in the latest Census, 92.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.1% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilgandra stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged properties at 27.8% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Gilgandra was $200, compared to $330 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Gilgandra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus the Australian 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 making up 29.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (31.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, comprising 12.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 as good, with residents typically located 237 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (86%), while 9% walk. 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, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays 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 significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,030 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (8.7%). 62.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Gilgandra has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,117 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 below average cultural diversity, 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, comprising 70.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented 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 ethnicity is overrepresented at 8.5% in Gilgandra compared to 8.8% regionally, while Scottish ethnicity stands at 7.5%, slightly lower than the regional average of 8.0%.

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

Gilgandra has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 15.0%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.0% of Gilgandra's population, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 8.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, Gilgandra is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 12 people (from 353 to 395), and those aged 65+ will comprise all of the projected growth. Population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 25-34 age cohorts.