Gunnedah

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gunnedah's population is around 10,169 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 424 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,745 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,095 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Gunnedah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.1% 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,341 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gunnedah has seen around 42 new homes approved each year, with 211 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 19 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures showing this has accelerated to 5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. Development projects average $284,000 in construction value, consistent with regional patterns. There have also been $22.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Gunnedah shows comparable construction activity (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 596 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Gunnedah adding 1,267 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Gunnedah has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Eucalypt Lifestyle and Retail Precinct, Whitehaven Coal Mornington Estate Development, Cohens Bridge Rehabilitation, and Gunnedah Sports Precinct Master Plans, 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Gunnedah well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Gunnedah features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. As of December 2025, 5,467 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (71.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 6.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.5% 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced employment decline of 1.2% and 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 Gunnedah. 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 Gunnedah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Gunnedah SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gunnedah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,119 and the average income stands at $70,764, compared to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,180 (median) and $77,034 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Gunnedah, between the 37th and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 30.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,142 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. After housing, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dwelling structure within Gunnedah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.6% houses and 12.5% 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 Gunnedah lagged that of Regional NSW, at 32.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Gunnedah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.5% of all households, comprising 27.3% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Gunnedah 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 (14.7%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (33.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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 low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 227 active transport stops operating within Gunnedah, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 38 individual routes, collectively providing 775 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,501 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 65.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,917 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population being citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gunnedah is Christianity, which makes up 62.1% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gunnedah are Australian, comprising 33.9% of the population, English, comprising 28.1% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 12.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is represented at 8.0% of Gunnedah (vs 8.8% regionally), South Australian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%) and Filipino at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

Gunnedah's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Gunnedah is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Gunnedah. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 32% (319 people), reaching 1,315 from 995. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort is projected to decline by 37 people.