Grenfell

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Grenfell's population is around 3,637 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 40 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,597 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,578 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Grenfell's 1.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 81 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 63 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Grenfell has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 35 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $286,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Grenfell shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 22nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been comprised entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 748 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Grenfell should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Grenfell 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, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Inland Rail - Stockinbingal to Parkes, Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal, Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, and the Cowra Drought Resilience Plan, 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.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.0%. As of December 2025, 1,736 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (58.3% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 6.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.5% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.5% alongside a 3.2% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Grenfell. 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 Grenfell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% 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

The Grenfell SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Grenfell SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,050 and the average income stands at $47,517, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,864 (median) and $51,727 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Grenfell all fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 28.7% of residents (1,043 people), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 90.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Grenfell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% 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 Grenfell was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 55.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (19.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $953, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $198, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Grenfell's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.3% of all households, comprising 20.5% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 270 active transport stops operating within Grenfell, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 223 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 21.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 31 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 Grenfell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Grenfell, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. 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 (~1,669 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 12.8 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.4% 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 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,110 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Grenfell is Christianity, which makes up 69.5% of people in Grenfell, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Grenfell are English, comprising 35.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 34.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.4% of Grenfell (vs 8.0% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% (vs 4.6%).

Grenfell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 52-year median age in Grenfell is significantly above Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.0% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.1%). Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Grenfell. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 50%, adding 71 residents to reach 217. Senior residents (65+) will drive 80% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both 35 to 44 and 75 to 84 age groups will see reduced numbers.