Grenfell

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

Grenfell's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 3,637 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,597. The growth was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,578 in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Grenfell's 1.1% growth since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area's 0.8%, positioning it as a growth leader in its region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 86.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period. According to AreaSearch's methodology, Grenfell's population is expected to decrease by 81 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 63 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, 3 approvals have been recorded to date. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, which is beneficial for buyers. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $286,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, Grenfell has seen $1.5 million in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. 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 new property choices while demand for established properties strengthens. This lower level reflects market maturity and potential development constraints. All new constructions in Grenfell have been detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 748 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Grenfell may see reduced housing pressure, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Grenfell has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could affect this region: Inland Rail between Stockinbingal and Parkes, another Inland Rail segment from Illabo to Stockinbingal, Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, and the Cowra Drought Resilience Plan. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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 2.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Grenfell has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. As of September 2025, 1,746 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Grenfell stands at 58.5%, slightly below Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census data, 21.8% of residents work from home. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly prominent with an employment share 6.4 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 11.5% compared to the regional 16.9%. Labour force data for Grenfell from May 2024 to April 2025 shows a decrease of 3.7%, with employment declining by 4.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points.

In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and labour force contract by 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Grenfell's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Grenfell SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $43,050. The average income stood at $47,517 during the same period. This is lower than the Rest of NSW's figures, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $46,864, and average income would be around $51,727. According to census data, incomes in Grenfell fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 income bracket dominates with 28.7% of residents (1,043 people), unlike regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.9% of income to be retained, 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

In Grenfell, as per the latest Census, 93.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is in comparison to Non-Metro NSW where 82.6% of dwellings were houses and 17.4% were other types. Home ownership in Grenfell stood at 55.0%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 25.9% and rented ones being 19.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Grenfell was $953, significantly lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Grenfell was $198, compared to $330 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Grenfell's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 comprise 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 account for 35.7%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 29.1%.

Educational participation is 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 typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while 10% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 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

Grenfell faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 46% (~1,669 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and asthma (9.2%). Conversely, 59.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face substantial health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Grenfell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.4% (1,104 people), compared to 23.0% in Rest of NSW. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly similar to the general population, some challenges persist.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Grenfell is Christianity, accounting for 69.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (35.0%), Australian (34.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Scottish representation is higher in Grenfell at 8.4%, compared to 8.0% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation is 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, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and also notably above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 55-64 age cohort is particularly over-represented in Grenfell at 16.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.0%. Between 2021 and present, the population of individuals aged 15 to 24 has increased from 8.7% to 10.6%, while those aged 75 to 84 have risen from 9.8% to 10.9%. Conversely, the population of individuals aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 16.3% to 15.4%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Grenfell. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 67 residents and reaching a total of 217. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 75-84 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.