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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Narara has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Narara's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 7,397 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 240 people, a 3.4% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,157. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,344 in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 960 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Notably, Narara's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.1%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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 just below the median of statistical areas analysed is expected in Narara. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 837 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 10.6% over the 17-year period, according to the latest annual ERP population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Narara according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Narara has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 72 homes. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents are added per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply. This typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.
New homes are being constructed at an average value of $260,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In this financial year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narara has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and 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. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Narara is expected to grow by 784 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Narara has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Narara Valley Estate, Narara Ecovillage, Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment, and The Outlook Narara. Relevant projects are detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Narara District Master Plan
Development and delivery of master plans for the Narara District including Lisarow, Wyoming, and Niagara Park to support housing and urban development. The district is within the Central Coast Council local government area.
Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment
Concept plan by Central Coast Council to upgrade and expand the existing Narara Community Centre, with the potential to integrate a small branch library and co-located community services. The intent is to modernise internal spaces, improve accessibility and flexibility for programs, and strengthen the role of the centre as a local hub for support services, activities and learning. As at late 2025 there is no publicly advertised development application or construction program specific to the building redevelopment, although the site has recently benefited from other investments such as a rooftop solar array and community battery delivered with Ausgrid.
Central Coast Film Studios
Proposed $230 million film and television production facility at Calga featuring 10 state-of-the-art sound stages, Australia's largest water tank, production offices, training and education precinct, film museum, and supporting infrastructure developed by Heath Bonnefin and Craig Giles.
The Outlook Narara
The Outlook Narara is a completed master planned over 55s lifestyle resort on the NSW Central Coast, comprising 178 independent living units delivered in stages between 2020 and 2023. The gated community provides resort style communal facilities and a residents clubhouse, offering low maintenance living for retirees close to Gosford services, shops and public transport. The village is now operating as an established over 55s community with ongoing lifestyle and management services in place.
Narara Ecovillage
Narara Ecovillage is a 64 hectare community title eco housing development on the former Gosford horticultural research station at Narara, planned for around 150 low impact homes plus shared community facilities, food growing spaces and integrated energy and water infrastructure. Stage 1 is largely complete and occupied, while Stage 2 civil works finished at the end of 2023 with most of the 40 plus new lots sold, owners preparing development applications and a growing number of homes under construction or already occupied; a planning proposal and amended planning agreement are progressing to support a future Stage 3 with more diverse housing types and small scale local services. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
M1 Pacific Motorway Kariong to Somersby Widening
Widening of M1 Pacific Motorway between Kariong and Somersby interchanges to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on this critical corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.
Narara Ecovillage Expansion
Sustainable ecovillage community featuring ~180 residents with solar microgrid, community battery, and Stage 2 lot development. Planning proposal amendments to Central Coast LEP 2022 for additional sustainable housing and community facilities.
Narara Valley Estate
Small residential subdivision on Deane Street in Narara providing new house and land lots within walking distance of Narara Valley High School and Narara railway station. Civil works and home construction are progressing with multiple builders marketing packages to first home buyers and local upgraders.
Employment
The labour market in Narara shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Narara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of September 2025, 3,954 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.
Workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 31.9% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Narara shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.
In contrast, professional & technical employs only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Narara's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Narara SA2 had an above national average income level based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $56,985 and the average income stood at $71,808, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Current estimates, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, are approximately $62,034 (median) and $78,170 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Narara cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 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, placing disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Narara is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Narara, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narara stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.4% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,993, lower than Sydney's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Narara was $420, compared to Sydney's $470. Nationally, Narara's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Narara features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 38.0% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in Narara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.2% and certificates for 27.2%. Educational participation is 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Narara has 61 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 63 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,463 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. Notably, 31.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census).
Service frequency averages 209 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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
Narara's health indicators show below-average outcomes 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 but higher than the national average among older cohorts.
Approximately 55% (~4,060 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues impact 9.4% and asthma affects 9.3% of residents. 66.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.8% (1,241 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 80.1% born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Narara, at 52.6%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are English (29.5%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (8.1%).
Notably, Russian (0.5%) and Spanish (0.6%) are overrepresented in Narara compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Maltese is underrepresented at 0.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Narara's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Narara is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years but close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the percentage of people aged 5-14 in Narara is notably higher at 14.2%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.1%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the percentage of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.1% to 5.5%, and the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 11.3% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 12.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Narara. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 69%, adding 282 people and reaching a total of 689 from the current 406. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.