Narara

Narara has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Narara's population is around 7,397 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 240 people (3.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,157 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,344 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 960 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Narara's 3.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.2%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.1% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the area expected to expand by 837 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Narara has seen around 14 new homes approved annually, totalling 72 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.9 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $260,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Narara has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places in the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 688 people per approval, Narara shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead, Narara is expected to grow by 784 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Narara has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Narara Valley Estate, Narara Ecovillage, Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment, and The Outlook Narara, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Narara demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Narara has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 3.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,988 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 31.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Narara. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Narara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Narara SA2's income level is above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Narara SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,985 and the average income stands at $71,808, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,034 (median) and $78,170 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Narara cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 36.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,677 residents), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.9% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 63rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Narara, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Narara was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 32.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (47.4%) or rented (20.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,993, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Narara's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Narara features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.2% of all households, comprising 38.0% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Narara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (25.0%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (27.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 61 active transport stops operating within Narara, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 63 individual routes, collectively providing 1,463 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 31.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 209 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Narara are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Narara, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~4,060 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,280 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Narara records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Narara was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Narara is Christianity, which makes up 52.6% of people in Narara, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Narara are English, comprising 29.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 28.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Narara (vs 0.4% regionally), Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.6%) and Maltese at 0.6% (vs 1.0%).

Narara's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Narara is somewhat higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (14.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.2% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Narara. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 29% (282 people), reaching 1,270 from 987. On the other hand, both 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.