Inverell Surrounds - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Inverell Surrounds - West 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 - West's population is approximately 5,803 as of August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 69 individuals (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,734 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,746 in June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Inverell Surrounds - West's growth rate of 1.2% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area (2.7%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.4% of overall population gains in 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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on current demographic trends, Inverell Surrounds - West is expected to expand by approximately 663 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Inverell Surrounds - West has seen approximately nine new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, with 48 homes approved between FY21 and FY25, and three so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been keeping pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $366,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

This financial year, $3.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Inverell Surrounds - West has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 13th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, which may reflect the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 97.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated population count of 1436 people per dwelling approval reflects the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Inverell Surrounds - West will gain 599 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Bunnings Warehouse Inverell, Main Road Gilgai South Rehabilitation, Inverell Hospital Redevelopment, and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase One. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Inverell Surrounds - West ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Inverell Surrounds West has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 1.6%.

This is lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, which was recorded in the same month. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year. The leading employment industries among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notably high concentration with employment levels at 6.3 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 12.4% employment compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The workforce participation rate in Inverell Surrounds West is lower than that of the Rest of NSW, standing at 50.9% compared to 56.4%. This suggests limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, while the labour force grew by 3.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NSW saw employment decrease by 0.1% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project an increase of 6.6% in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Inverell Surrounds West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that Inverell Surrounds - West has a median income of $38,769 and an average income of $45,056. This is lower than the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $43,658 and average income $50,738, based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Inverell Surrounds - West are between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.1% of residents earn $800-$1,499 weekly, differing from the regional norm where 29.9% earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.0% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Inverell Surrounds - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Inverell Surrounds - West stands at 55.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. Weekly rent in the area is $210, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $240. Nationally, Inverell Surrounds - West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 68.9% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 13.8% compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are held by 37.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 29.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.4% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Seven schools operate within Inverell Surrounds - West, educating approximately 659 students. The educational mix includes five primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

Inverell Surrounds - West has 351 active public transport stops, served by a mix of train and bus routes. There are 26 individual routes operating in the area, collectively providing 260 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 354 meters, indicating good transport accessibility.

On average, there are 37 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Inverell Surrounds - West faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, affecting about 2,849 people, compared to the Rest of NSW's 46.9% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and asthma (8.3%), with 61.9% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 61.0%.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.4%, or 1,706 people, compared to the Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Inverell Surrounds - West had a cultural diversity index below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 72.0% of people, compared to 64.8% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.7%), English (32.9%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.7%, compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Irish and German representations were also notable, at 8.5% and 3.1% respectively, differing slightly from the regional averages of 8.7% and 3.9%.

Inverell Surrounds - West ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Inverell Surrounds - West is 50, which exceeds the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38. The percentage of people aged 65-74 is notably high at 15.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW's figure and the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 7.8% in Inverell Surrounds - West. According to the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 age group has increased from 4.3% to 5.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 11.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Inverell Surrounds - West's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 156 people (26%), from 602 to 759. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.