Grenfell

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Grenfell's population is around 3,550 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 47 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,597 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,549 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Grenfell's -1.3% decline since census is within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (-0.6%), indicating similar population challenges across the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. According to this methodology, projections indicate a decline in overall population of 98 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 70 people.

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

Grenfell has received approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 35 homes. In FY26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, which is beneficial for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $286,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $1.5 million in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Grenfell shows around 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 22nd percentile nationally for buyer options, suggesting limited choices while demand for established properties strengthens. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. All new constructions have been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 748 people, reflecting Grenfell's quiet, low activity development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, housing pressure should remain reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Four infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Inland Rail from Stockinbingal to Parkes, Inland Rail from Illabo to Stockinbingal, Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, and Cowra Drought Resilience Plan.

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

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The employment landscape in Grenfell presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Grenfell has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%. By this date, 1,736 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is lower than Regional NSW's by 0.9%, at 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Grenfell is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 21.8% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high share of employment at 6.4 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 11.5% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5%, employment declined by 3.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment fall, 0.8% labour force contraction, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment increase over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Grenfell's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

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

The Grenfell SA2's median income among taxpayers was $43,050 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $47,517 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Regional NSW, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates project the median income to be approximately $47,493 and the average income to be around $52,421, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Grenfell all fall within the 4th to 9th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates in Grenfell with 28.7% of residents (1,018 people), unlike the regional pattern where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.9% income retention, total disposable income in Grenfell ranks at only the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Grenfell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Grenfell stood at 55.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 19.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $953, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Grenfell was $198, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Grenfell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $953 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Grenfell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.3% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, comprising primary education (9.1%), secondary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Grenfell has 270 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 23 routes providing 223 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 178 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward using cars (86%), with 10% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6. According to the 2021 Census, 21.8% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 31 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Grenfell, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is found to be extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,629 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 12.8% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Grenfell has 31.2% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,107 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Grenfell had low cultural diversity, with 91.3% citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 69.5%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.0%), Australian (34.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Scottish representation was notably higher at 8.4% versus 8.0% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 3.3% compared to 4.6%.

Grenfell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Grenfell is 52 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Grenfell at 15.9%, compared to Regional NSW's average and well above the national figure of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.8%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for Grenfell in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 52%, adding 74 residents to reach 220. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 77% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 75-84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.