Gilgandra

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gilgandra's population is around 4,434 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 36 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,398 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,409 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Gilgandra's 0.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 455 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 27 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Gilgandra has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals each year, with 31 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $439,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Gilgandra records markedly lower building activity (75.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, 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 count of 809 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, Aero Park Residential Estate, Gilgandra Solar Farm, and Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. As of December 2025, 1,962 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 5.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Gilgandra's workforce compared to 9.7% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.1% combined with employment decreasing by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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 employment should 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).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Gilgandra SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $44,633 while the average income stands at $52,123. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,587 (median) and $56,741 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Gilgandra all fall between the 10th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 28.8% of the population (1,276 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, unlike trends at regional levels where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Gilgandra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gilgandra was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 45.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (26.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Gilgandra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.1% of all households, comprising 22.8% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.1%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (31.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 211 active transport stops operating within Gilgandra, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 205 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 237 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 19.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Gilgandra, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,030 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.2 and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 62.7% declared themselves as 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. The area has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,117 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.3% of its population being citizens, 96.2% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gilgandra is Christianity, which makes up 70.8% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gilgandra are Australian, comprising 34.9% of the population, English, comprising 30.5% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 10.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is represented at 8.5% in Gilgandra (vs 8.8% regionally) and Scottish at 7.5% (vs 8.0%).

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

With a median age of 46, Gilgandra is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.0% of the population, while 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. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 12% (41 people), reaching 395 from 353. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 cohorts.