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

Gundagai's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 3,717 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,715. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,715 in June 2025 and the addition of 9 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Gundagai's 0.1% population growth since the census places it within 2.1 percentage points of its SA4 region (2.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 270 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 40 people.

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 approximately 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 71 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 0.8 new residents per year have arrived for every new home over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $386,000 during this period. In the current financial year, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity in Gundagai. Compared to the rest of NSW, Gundagai shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person but ranks among the 20th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings.

Recent building activity has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are estimated to be 1167 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline in Gundagai, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Sheridan Street Upgrade, Gundagai Netball Courts Upgrades, Public Toilet Facility in Gundagai's Main Street, and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development. The following list details those projects most relevant:.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025. In this month, 1,754 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2 percentage points lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, 13.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance sectors. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is particularly high at 4.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.0%, compared to Regional NSW's average of 16.9%. Some residents commute for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in Gundagai, labour force decreased by 2.9% and employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gundagai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Gundagai SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,907 and an average of $56,907. These figures are below the national averages. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $53,954 (median) and $62,780 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Gundagai's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of Gundagai's population, equating to 1,144 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.9% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 32nd percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Gundagai, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gundagai was at 48.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,291, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $220, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gundagai's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,291 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Gundagai were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $220.

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

Family households account for 67.8% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is 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

Gundagai has 237 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 27 routes, providing 303 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 155 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Gundagai's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The map accompanying this data shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Gundagai's health indicators show below-average results 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. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,769 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and asthma (8.2%). 66.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (951 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia on 92.4% of occasions, and speaking English only at home on 94.9% of instances. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 74.6% of Gundagai's population, compared to Regional NSW's average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.4%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 3.1%, Chinese at 2.0%, and Lebanese at 0.2% compared to regional averages of 4.6%, 0.8%, and 0.2% respectively.

Gundagai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Gundagai's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Gundagai has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). In the period from 2021 to present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the age group of 55 to 64 has decreased from 14.4% to 12.6%. By the year 2041, Gundagai's age composition is expected to shift notably. The demographic shift will be led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 13%, reaching 359 from 318. This growth will be solely due to residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.