Inverell Surrounds - East

Inverell Surrounds - East is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Inverell Surrounds - East's population is around 5,257 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 57 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,200 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,233 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Inverell Surrounds - East's 1.1% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.5% 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. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with the area expected to expand by 602 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.0% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Inverell Surrounds - East is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Inverell Surrounds - East has seen approximately eight new homes approved annually in recent years. Between the financial years 2021 and 2025, forty-two homes were approved, with seven more approved so far in the current financial year of 2026. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $306,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals totalling $1.8 million have been recorded this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Inverell Surrounds - East has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to the rest of NSW. Nationally, it ranks in the 32nd percentile among assessed areas, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes.

However, development activity has increased in recent periods. New building activity in Inverell Surrounds - East is dominated by detached houses, with 86.0% of approvals, and medium to high-density housing making up the remaining 14.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. The estimated count of 500 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Inverell Surrounds - East is projected to grow by 578 residents by the year 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 32 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Lake Inverell Recreational Precinct Enhancement, Inverell Hospital Redevelopment, Inverell Sports Complex Upgrade, and Sapphire City Lifestyle Village. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Inverell Surrounds - East has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Inverell Surrounds - East has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.5%. This rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at par with Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 24.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 6.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 7.8%. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Inverell Surrounds - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Inverell Surrounds - East SA2's median income among taxpayers was $41,016 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $46,342 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively shows lower income levels for Inverell Surrounds - East SA2. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income is approximately $44,650 by September 2025, with average income projected to be around $50,448 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Inverell Surrounds - East fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income bracket comprises 28.5% of residents earning $800-$1,499 weekly. This differs from broader area trends where 29.9% earn within the $1,500-$2,999 range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.3% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Inverell Surrounds - East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Inverell Surrounds - East stood at 53.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in the area averaged $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Inverell Surrounds - East's median monthly mortgage repayment was significantly lower at $1,000 than Australia's average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially lower at $200 compared to the national figure of $375.

Inverell Surrounds - East has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Inverell Surrounds - East has 256 active public transport stops. These are served by 37 routes, offering 501 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters use cars (90%), while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 24.0% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 71 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 1 weekly trip per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Inverell Surrounds - East is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Inverell Surrounds - East faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,433 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and asthma (8.0%). However, 61.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (24.6%, 1,295 people) than Rest of NSW (23.0%). Senior health outcomes present challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

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

Inverell Surrounds - East had a cultural diversity score below average, with 87.1% of its population being citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 66.0% of people in Inverell Surrounds - East, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (30.6%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 8.0%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. German ancestry was also higher at 4.5% (vs 3.1%) and Scottish ancestry was slightly above the regional average at 7.9% (vs 8.0%).

Inverell Surrounds - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Inverell Surrounds - East has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-old group is particularly prominent at 15.2%, while the 15-24 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 9.0% than in Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the 5-14 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 year-old cohort has declined from 14.2% to 12.2%, and the 15-24 year-old group has dropped from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, Inverell Surrounds - East is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 year-old group is projected to grow by 36 people, reaching 578 from 426, while the 15-24 year-old cohort is anticipated to decline by 7 people.