Gunnedah

Population growth drivers in Gunnedah are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Gunnedah's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,162 people. This figure represents an increase of 417 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,745. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,095 in June 2024 and the addition of 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Over the past decade, Gunnedah has exhibited resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.1% of overall population gains during 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 employs 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to experience above median population growth trends. By 2041, Gunnedah is expected to expand by approximately 1,341 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 12.5% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Gunnedah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Gunnedah has seen approximately 42 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 211 homes were approved, with a further seven approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed over these five years. However, this has recently accelerated to five people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of development projects is $576,000, which is moderately above regional levels. This financial year alone, there have been $22.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Comparing Gunnedah's construction activity per person to the Rest of NSW shows comparable figures, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 596 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Gunnedah to add approximately 1,274 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Whitehaven Coal Mornington Estate Development, Eucalypt Lifestyle and Retail Precinct, Cohens Bridge Rehabilitation, and Gunnedah Sports Precinct Master Plans. The following list details those 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Gunnedah places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Gunnedah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 1.7%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.0%.

As of June 2025, 5,579 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is 59.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mining has a high representation at 6.8 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.5% versus the regional average of 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with a labour force growth of 0.3%, increasing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gunnedah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Gunnedah SA2 was $53,499 in the financial year ending 30 June 2022. The average income stood at $68,854 during this period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,245 (median) and $77,536 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Gunnedah, between the 37th and 46th percentiles. Income brackets showed that the largest segment comprised 30.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,140 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represented 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses.

Gunnedah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Gunnedah, as per the latest Census, 87.6% of dwellings were houses while 12.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunnedah stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged properties making up 34.2% and rented ones 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure as well. Nationally, Gunnedah's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 versus the national average of $375.

Gunnedah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.5% of all households, including 27.3% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 10.7% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 8.0%, while certificates make up 33.9%. Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gunnedah has 216 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 38 individual routes that together facilitate 803 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these routes is rated excellent, with residents on average being located 198 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 114 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gunnedah is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Gunnedah faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (around 5,456 people), compared to 50.0% in the Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents respectively. About 65.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the Rest of NSW. As of 2018, 19.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,926 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Gunnedah placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gunnedah had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.8% Australian citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.1%, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.1%).

Notably, Irish (8.0% vs regional 8.0%), South African (0.3% vs 0.2%), and Filipino (0.8% vs 0.7%) groups had different representations compared to the region.

Gunnedah's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gunnedah as of 2021 was 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years had a strong representation at 14.8% in Gunnedah compared to Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.6% to 12.9% of Gunnedah's population. During this period, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for Gunnedah in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,315 people from 985. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort is expected to decline by 49 people.