Gundagai

Gundagai is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gundagai's population is around 3,868 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 153 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,715 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,728 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Gundagai's 4.1% growth since the census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.7% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 283 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 increase by 58 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Gundagai, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Gundagai has recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval each year, with 71 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.8 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $386,000. Additionally, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Gundagai shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks within the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1167 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Gundagai should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Gundagai has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sheridan Street Upgrade, Gundagai Netball Courts Upgrades, a Public Toilet Facility in Gundagai's Main Street, and the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development, 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 Gundagai exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gundagai has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 1,754 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (59.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.0% versus the regional average of 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.9% while employment declined by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gundagai. 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 Gundagai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Gundagai SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,907, with an average of $56,907. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,240 (median) and $61,949 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Gundagai, between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 30.8% of the population (1,191 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.9% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 32nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Gundagai, 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 Gundagai was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,291, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Gundagai's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gundagai has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 67.8% of all households, comprising 27.9% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Gundagai 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 (14.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 237 active transport stops operating within Gundagai, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 303 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 13.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Gundagai are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Gundagai, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,841 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 9.9% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 66.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (969 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.

Gundagai is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gundagai was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.6% of its population being citizens, 92.4% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gundagai is Christianity, which makes up 74.6% of people in Gundagai. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gundagai are Australian, comprising 35.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 30.0%, English, comprising 34.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.1% of Gundagai (vs 4.6% regionally), Chinese at 2.0% (vs 0.8%) and Lebanese at 0.2% (vs 0.2%).

Gundagai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Gundagai's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Gundagai has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (13.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (9.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.3% to 8.5% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.7%. By 2041, Gundagai is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 9% (27 people), reaching 356 from 328. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.