Gunnedah Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Gunnedah Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Gunnedah Surrounds' population was around 4,565 as of August 2025. This reflected a growth of 196 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,369. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,521 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Gunnedah Surrounds' growth exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%), making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase of just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected. By 2041, Gunnedah Surrounds' population is projected to increase by 513 persons, with an overall increase of 10.3% over the 17 years.

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

Gunnedah Surrounds has averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 32 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates about 6.9 new residents per year. This results in demand significantly exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $354,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In the current financial year, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Gunnedah Surrounds has significantly less development activity, with 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area is also under the national average in terms of development activity, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new construction so far has been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With an estimated 654 people per dwelling approval, this reflects a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Gunnedah Surrounds adding 469 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Gunnedah Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of nineteen projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, Sawmill Business Centre Stage 2, Gunnedah Sports Precinct Master Plans, and Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Gunnedah Surrounds has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.3% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

The area saw employment growth of 4.5% over the past year. In June 2025, 2,739 residents were employed with a participation rate of 62.2%, higher than the regional average of 56.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.9 times the regional average), mining, and health care & social assistance (9.5% vs regional average of 16.9%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over the past year, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force by 3.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Gunnedah Surrounds may grow at a slower pace of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.9% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Gunnedah Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $50,583 and an average income of $63,275. Nationally, the median was $51,594 and the average was $68,165. In Rest of NSW, these figures were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $55,945 (median) and $69,982 (average), based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranks Gunnedah Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 37th and 40th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 30.8% of individuals (1,406 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 89.9% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Gunnedah Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Gunnedah Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 2.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunnedah Surrounds stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 32.1% and rented ones for 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent in Gunnedah Surrounds was recorded at $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gunnedah Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.8% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Gunnedah Surrounds 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 at 15.5%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 30.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. There are 6 schools operating within Gunnedah Surrounds, educating approximately 286 students, all focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 6.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.5, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Gunnedah Surrounds has 334 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes that collectively provide 407 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 324 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per stop.

Health performance in Gunnedah Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gunnedah Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~2,337 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.6 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point nine percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. Eighteen point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (858 people), which is lower than the 19.9% in Rest of NSW. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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

Gunnedah Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 95.6% born in Australia, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 66.0% of people, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.2%), English (31.5%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.6%, compared to 9.4% regionally, while Scottish was 7.5% versus 7.3%. South African representation was slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

Gunnedah Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Gunnedah Surrounds is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of individuals aged 5-14 in Gunnedah Surrounds is notably higher at 14.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 11.4% to 12.8%, and the 15-24 age group increased from 10.8% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Gunnedah Surrounds. The 45-54 age group is expected to expand by 144 people (25%), growing from 579 to 724 individuals. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age cohort is projected to decrease by 95 people.