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 of November 2025, is approximately 3,868 people. This figure reflects a growth of 153 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,715. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,728 in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Gundagai's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.7% to overall population gains recently.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Gundagai's population is expected to decline by 283 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84-year-olds are projected to increase, with an anticipated growth of 58 people in this group over this period.

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, 71 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 0.8 new residents per year arriving for each 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 during this period was $386,000. In FY26, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gundagai shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 20th percentile nationally for areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established dwellings.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 1167 people per dwelling approval reflects Gundagai's quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

A total of 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Gundagai exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gundagai has a balanced workforce with representation across white collar and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year.

In Gundagai, 1,808 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is on par with Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 13.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

Gundagai shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share four times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while the labour force rose by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Gundagai SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,907 and an average level of $56,907. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gundagai would be approximately $53,240 (median) and $61,949 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gundagai rank modestly, between the 24th and 30th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 30.8% of locals (1,191 people) with incomes between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to broader trends across the area at 29.9%. 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

Dwelling structure in Gundagai, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Gundagai stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,291, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 recorded in the same Census year. The median weekly rent figure for Gundagai was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Gundagai's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 recorded in 2016.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of 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 disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 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 covered by 27 routes that collectively provide 303 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (91%), while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, around 1,841 people, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and asthma (8.2%). Around 66.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Gundagai has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6% (951 people), compared to 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes 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, as per the data, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens at 85.6%, born in Australia at 92.4%, and speaking English only at home at 94.9%. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 74.6% of Gundagai's residents, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australians formed the largest group at 35.0%, followed by English at 34.4% and Irish at 10.2%. Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented in Gundagai at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Similarly, Chinese residents were higher than the regional average at 2.0%, while Lebanese residents remained at the regional average of 0.2%.

Gundagai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Gundagai's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW at 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Gundagai has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). Between June 2021 Census and June 2022, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.3% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 14.4% to 12.8%. By 2041, Gundagai's population is expected to shift significantly in terms of age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 8%, increasing from 328 to 356 people. This demographic aging will result in residents aged 65 and older accounting for all anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.