Narrabri Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Narrabri Surrounds' population was 4,616 as of Aug 2021. As of Jun 2024, it is estimated at 4,607 with an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicating a decrease to around 4,605 by Aug 2025. This reflects a decline of 11 people (0.2%) from the 2021 Census figure. The population density is 0.40 persons per square kilometer. While Narrabri Surrounds experienced a 0.2% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.7% growth, showing divergent trends. 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 2022 base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, Narrabri Surrounds is expected to grow by 278 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 6.1% 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 2 dwelling approvals annually on average from 2016 to 2020. This low development level reflects its rural nature, with housing needs driving development rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Narrabri Surrounds has lower development activity compared to Rest of NSW and nationally. Recent construction comprised 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current 95.0% houses pattern. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. There were an estimated 1345 people per dwelling approval in Narrabri Surrounds as of its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 280 residents by 2041.

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

Narrabri Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Major initiatives include Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades from Narrabri to Moree, Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS, Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Narrabri Place Strategy.

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 both white and blue-collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in June 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%. As of June 2025, 2,800 residents were employed with a participation rate of 58.6%, similar to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, 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. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force grew by 4.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment decrease, 0.3% labour force growth, and a 0.4% unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrabri Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Narrabri Surrounds has lower incomes than the national average. The median income is $48,952 and the average is $58,059. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,125 (median) and $65,380 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Narrabri Surrounds rank modestly, between the 32nd and 34th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 30.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,399 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

In Narrabri Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri Surrounds stood at 42.7%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,148, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in the area was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Narrabri Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,148 than the Australian average of $1,863. Similarly, rents were substantially lower at $200 compared to the national figure of $375.

Narrabri Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.4%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.7% and graduate diplomas also at 1.7%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 29.5%.

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. A robust network of 9 schools operates within Narrabri Surrounds, educating approximately 540 students. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Narrabri Surrounds has 151 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 38 individual routes operating, offering a total of 355 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 328 meters. On average, there are 50 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per 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% of the total population (~2,251 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 10.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Around 65.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.7% in the Rest of NSW. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (904 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, as per data from 2016 Census, had below average cultural diversity: 84.3% were Australian citizens; 95.5% were born in Australia; 98.1% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 70.2%, compared to 68.1% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups were Australian (36.1%), English (29.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was higher at 8.7% than regional average of 8.1%, while Korean stood at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Narrabri Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 figure. 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 13.1%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 6.0% to 7.3%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Narrabri Surrounds' age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 119 residents to reach 574. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to decline in population.