Gunnedah

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

Gunnedah's population was 9,745 as of the 2021 Census. By Feb 2026, it had increased to around 10,169, reflecting a growth of 424 people (4.4%). This increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 10,095 in June 2024 and the validation of 91 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 112 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Gunnedah had a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.1% to recent population gains.

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 are used, 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. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1,341 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting 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-25, around 211 homes were approved, with an additional 19 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 1.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, this figure has recently accelerated to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply.

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

Recent construction primarily comprises detached houses (73.0%) and medium to high-density housing (27.0%), preserving the area's traditional low-density character while also accommodating some higher-density development. The estimated population density is around 596 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its relatively quiet and low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Gunnedah is projected to add approximately 1,267 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand projections, fostering steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Eucalypt Lifestyle and Retail Precinct, Whitehaven Coal Mornington Estate Development, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Gunnedah significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Gunnedah has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year as of September 2025. In this month, 5,521 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Gunnedah was 72.2%, higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, only 7.5% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Mining has a particularly high representation with an employment share 6.8 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.5% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% and labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Gunnedah.

In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% decline in employment and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 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, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Gunnedah SA2's median income among taxpayers was $57,119 in financial year 2023 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $70,764 during the same period. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $62,180 as of September 2025, with average income projected at around $77,034 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Gunnedah rank between the 37th and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 30.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. After housing expenses, 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

In Gunnedah, as per the latest Census, 87.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunnedah stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Gunnedah was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Gunnedah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 comprise 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, matching 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 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 low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Gunnedah has 227 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 38 routes providing 775 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 197 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 110 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% of Gunedah's total population (~5,501 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in the Rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 65.3% of Gunedah's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, 18.9% of Gunedah's residents are aged 65 and over (1,917 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in the Rest of 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, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens: 88.8%, with 93.7% born in Australia and 95.9% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 62.1% of Gunnedah's population, compared to 55.9% across the Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.9%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.1%) were the top three groups in Gunnedah, with Australian Aboriginal being substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.0% compared to 8.8% regionally, South African at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Filipino at 0.8% against 0.6%.

Gunnedah's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gunnedah is 36 years, which is significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group represents 15.0% of the population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.0%, and the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Gunnedah, with the 45-54 group projected to grow by 32% (319 people), reaching 1,315 from 995. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is projected to decline by 37 people.