Narrabri Surrounds

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

Narrabri Surrounds' population is approximately 4,614 as of February 2026. This figure shows a decrease of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,616. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,607 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density is 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Narrabri Surrounds' growth rate of -0.0% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.3%. Natural growth contributed approximately 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. 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 to 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.9% 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 had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totaling 12 approvals. This low level reflects its rural nature, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Narrabri Surrounds has much lower development activity compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns. Recent construction comprised 67% standalone homes and 33% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current 95% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1345 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Narrabri Surrounds will gain 271 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Narrabri Surrounds will gain 271 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Narrabri Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include 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 projects expected to be most 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.

Employment conditions in Narrabri Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Narrabri Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 2.2% as of September 2025, and estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year. It has 2,747 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.7% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%, and workforce participation at 76.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 17.7% of residents worked from home as of September 2025.

Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area is particularly specialized in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 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%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat.

In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Narrabri Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Narrabri Surrounds SA2 is $52,811 and average income is $63,451. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $57,490 and average income is $69,073, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Narrabri Surrounds ranks modestly for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 31st and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,402 residents), mirroring the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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

Narrabri Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri Surrounds was 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,148, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Narrabri Surrounds was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narrabri Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 29.5%. Educational participation is high, with 35.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.7% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Narrabri Surrounds has 159 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 39 routes, providing 357 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 328 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The map accompanies shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,330 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.3 and 9.6% of residents respectively. 65.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (911 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. National rankings for chronic conditions are even higher than the general population.

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 a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.3% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 70.2% of people in Narrabri Surrounds, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.1%), English (29.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%).

These figures were higher than the regional averages of 30.0% for Australian and 4.6% for Australian Aboriginal. Notably, Irish ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 8.7%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while Korean ethnicity was present at 0.2%, slightly higher than the regional average of 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 exceeds the national average of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.6% of its population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 5.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.6%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 6.0% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 13.0%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 14.1% to 12.7%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Narrabri Surrounds' age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 110 residents to reach 574. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.