Inverell

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

Inverell's population is approximately 12,354 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 297 people, a 2.5% rise from the 2021 Census count of 12,057. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,279 in June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 59 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Inverell has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, surpassing its SA3 area's growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.3% to recent population gains, although all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase just below Australia's regional median, with an expected growth of 648 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.6% over 17 years.

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

Inverell has recorded approximately 40 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 200 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.9 new residents have arrived per new home each year over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes over this period was $293,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $27.3 million have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development in Inverell. Compared to the rest of NSW, Inverell has slightly more development, with 17.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, Inverell's development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development in Inverell consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, expanding the range of medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 88.0% houses. This indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of people per dwelling approval in Inverell is 670, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Inverell is expected to grow by 573 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Inverell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include New Residential Areas Structure Plans, Sapphire City Lifestyle Village, Bunnings Warehouse Inverell, and Gwydir Highway Improvements, Inverell Town Centre. 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.

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Employment performance in Inverell has been broadly consistent with national averages

Inverell has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, and the unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Employment stability in the past year has been relative. As of September 2025, 6,145 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level. Construction employs 7.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 9.7%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contraction of 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Inverell's employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Inverell SA2's median income among taxpayers was $45,263 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $52,563 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $50,971 and the average income will be around $59,191 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Inverell fall between the 12th and 22nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.3% of residents, which translates to 3,496 people. This aligns with the region where this cohort also represents 29.9%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.2% of income remains, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Inverell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Inverell stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 33.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. Median weekly rent in Inverell was $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $240. Nationally, Inverell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,250 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.5% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, matching the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, with 12.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Inverell shows that there are 35 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 12 individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes facilitate 112 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Inverell is considered good, with residents typically living within 336 meters of their nearest transport stop. On average, across all routes, there are 16 trips per day, which equates to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Inverell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Inverell faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 5,769 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and asthma (9%). About 63.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.0%. Inverell has 22.6% (2,794 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors present challenges, performing better than the general population in certain metrics.

Inverell is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Inverell has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the average, with 88.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Inverell, accounting for 63.9% of the population, which is slightly lower than the 64.8% recorded across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups in Inverell are Australian (33.8%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.9%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Filipino residents make up 0.9% of Inverell's population, higher than the regional average of 0.4%, while German residents comprise 3.1%, lower than the regional average of 3.9%. Samoan residents account for 0.1% in both Inverell and the broader region.

Inverell's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Inverell's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 12.6% of Inverell's population, compared to a higher percentage in the Rest of NSW. The 55-64 cohort makes up 11.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.7% to 12.6%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.7%. Future demographic projections suggest significant changes in Inverell's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow significantly, with a projected increase of 17%, adding 250 residents to reach a total of 1,761. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.