Narrabri Surrounds

Narrabri Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Narrabri Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 4,492 as of November 2025. This figure indicates a decrease of 124 individuals (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,616 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,607 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed roughly 76.4% of overall population gains recently.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Narrabri Surrounds is expected to increase by approximately 278 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of about 8.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Narrabri Surrounds has had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totaling 12 approvals. This low level of development reflects its rural nature, where housing needs are typically specific and local rather than driven by broad market demand. It is important to note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Narrabri Surrounds has much lower development activity. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, indicating an expansion in medium-density options. This marks a significant shift from the current housing pattern, which is 95.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1345 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Narrabri Surrounds is forecasted to gain 393 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Narrabri Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades (Narrabri to Moree), Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS, Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Narrabri Place Strategy. 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 conditions in Narrabri Surrounds rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Narrabri Surrounds has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 1.8%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 4.9%. In Narrabri Surrounds, 2,800 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Narrabri Surrounds is 58.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing dominate with an employment share 7.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment contraction, a 0.3% labour force growth, and a 0.4% rise in unemployment. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrabri Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.8% in five years and 11.0% in ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 indicates that Narrabri Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $48,952 and an average income of $58,059. This is lower than the national averages of $51,376 (median) and $66,814 (average). In comparison, Rest of NSW's figures for the same period were a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,125 (median) and $65,380 (average). The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Narrabri Surrounds ranked modestly between the 31st and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 30.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing costs are manageable with 90.7% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 39th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Narrabri Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Narrabri Surrounds was 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,148, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure stood at $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Narrabri Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narrabri Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 71.2% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 35.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Narrabri Surrounds shows that there are currently 151 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 38 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 355 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates the transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located approximately 328 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are about 50 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Narrabri Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Narrabri Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% (~2,196 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.3%) and arthritis (9.6%). Around 65.1% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 66.7%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 19.6% (882 people).

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

Narrabri Surrounds had cultural diversity levels below average, with 84.3% being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 70.2%. This compares to 68.1% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.1%), English (29.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%). Notably, Irish representation was higher at 8.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.1%. Korean representation was also slightly higher at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Narrabri Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Narrabri Surrounds has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's representation. The 75-84 cohort makes up 5.8%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15-24 age group grew from 11.0% to 13.1%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 16.5% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Narrabri Surrounds' age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 29%, adding 130 residents to reach 574. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.