Gunnedah
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Gunnedah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Gunnedah's population was approximately 10,162 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 417 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,745. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,095 in June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Gunnedah's population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.1% to 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, 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Gunnedah expected to expand by 1,341 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating a total gain of 12.5% 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 approximately 42 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25211 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over the past five financial years. However, this figure has increased to 5 people per dwelling over the last two years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of development projects is $284,000, aligning with regional norms. This year alone, there have been $22.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Gunnedah exhibits similar construction activity per capita, maintaining market balance consistent with broader trends.

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 count per dwelling approval is 596 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections indicate Gunnedah will add approximately 1,274 residents by 2041. Current 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 30thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, Whitehaven Coal Mornington Estate Development, Cohens Bridge Rehabilitation, and Eucalypt Lifestyle and Retail Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to be 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. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 1.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. As of June 2025, 5,579 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was 59.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Major employment sectors for residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mining is particularly specialized, with an employment share 6.8 times the regional level. Conversely, 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. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Gunnedah. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Gunnedah's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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

Gunnedah's median income among taxpayers was $53,499 and the average income stood at $68,854 in financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of NSW's figures of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Gunnedah's median income would be approximately $60,245 and the average income $77,536, accounting for a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Gunnedah ranked at the 42nd percentile, family incomes at the 40th percentile, and personal incomes at the 38th percentile. The largest income bracket comprised 30.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. After housing costs, 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

Gunnedah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunnedah was 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, matching Non-Metro NSW's average. Median weekly rent in Gunnedah was $300, the same as Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Gunnedah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Gunnedah were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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

Gunnedah has lower university qualification rates at 14.7% compared to NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (33.9%). Educational participation is high at 31.8%, with 13.6% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Seven schools operate in Gunnedah, educating approximately 2,204 students. The educational mix includes three primary schools, two secondary schools, and two K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 21.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.5, indicating Gunnedah serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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. These include train and bus services. There are 38 routes operating in total, offering 803 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 198 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, with 114 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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 (~5,456 people), compared to 50.0% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 65.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 19.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,926 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity below average with 88.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gunnedah, comprising 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%).

Notable differences existed in Irish representation at 8.0% (vs regional 8.0%), South African at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Filipino at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

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 the Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group had a strong representation with 14.8% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. However, the 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data showed that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.6% to 12.9% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gunnedah. Leading these shifts, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,315 people from its current figure of 985. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is expected to decline by 49 people.