Chart Color Schemes
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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Narrabri Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Narrabri Surrounds' population was approximately 4,602 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 14 people from the 2021 Census count of 4,616, indicating a 0.3% decline since the census date. The estimated resident population in June 2025 was 4,602, with address validation confirming this change. This results in a population density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. While Narrabri Surrounds experienced a decrease, the surrounding SA3 area saw a 0.5% growth. Natural growth accounted for approximately 73.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.
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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Narrabri Surrounds is expected to grow by approximately 275 persons to reach a total of around 4,877 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 6.0% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 (12 approvals in total). This low level of development reflects its rural nature, where housing needs are typically specific to local demand rather than broader market trends. The small sample size means that individual projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.
Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Narrabri Surrounds has much lower development activity. Recent construction comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% attached dwellings, showing an increase in medium-density options. This is a departure from the current housing pattern of 95% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The estimated population density per dwelling approval is 1345 people. Population forecasts indicate Narrabri Surrounds will gain 275 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).
If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Narrabri Surrounds
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Narrabri Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable projects 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. The following list details those most relevant.
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
Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment
The $53 million Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment officially opened to the public on January 14, 2026. The project delivered a new single-storey acute services building which houses an expanded emergency department, a modern birthing, maternity, and inpatient unit, a new main entry and reception, and dedicated ambulance bays. The facility integrates with the existing hospital campus and includes landscaped gardens, courtyards, and culturally significant artworks. The redevelopment was delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Hunter New England Local Health District and built by Richard Crookes Constructions, providing enhanced healthcare services and contemporary facilities to support the Gunnedah community and surrounding regions.
Narrabri Place Strategy
A 20-year strategic framework finalised in April 2025 by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure together with Narrabri Shire Council. The strategy provides the planning framework to rezone land across three precincts under the Narrabri Local Environmental Plan 2012, supporting at least 2,100 new flood-free homes with a mix of detached and medium-density housing, a revitalised town centre featuring an Eat Street dining concept, new health, aged care and childcare facilities, potential school sites and improved sport and active transport networks. A new employment lands precinct between the Newell Highway and the Inland Rail corridor will support light industrial and commercial uses, while a separate Northern NSW Inland Port precinct will accommodate heavier industrial activity leveraging the Inland Rail project. The strategy is expected to generate around 600 new jobs. Development applications consistent with the strategy can now be lodged with Narrabri Shire Council. Replaces the earlier Narrabri Special Activation Precinct process.
Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS
A 140 MW DC solar farm with a 100 MW / 800 MWh battery energy storage system on approximately 312 hectares of private rural land. The project will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 35,000 homes and offset around 182,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. It will connect to the existing 132 kV transmission line and contribute to the National Electricity Market.
Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A proposed 125 MW / 1,000 MWh long-duration battery energy storage system near the Narrabri 132/66 kV Transgrid substation. The project aims to provide up to 8 hours of dispatchable storage to improve grid reliability and support NSW's energy transition.
Narrabri Gas Project
The Narrabri Gas Project involves the progressive development of up to 850 coal seam gas wells across 95,000 hectares in the Pilliga State Forest to supply up to half of NSW's natural gas needs for domestic use, with operations on about 1,000 hectares primarily on state land. The project received Native Title Tribunal approval in May 2025, but a final investment decision is pending later in 2025.
Vickery Extension Project
The Vickery Extension Project involves the extension of an open-cut coal mine producing primarily metallurgical coal for steel-making and high-quality thermal coal for export markets. It utilizes existing infrastructure, creates 500 construction and 450 operational jobs, and includes progressive rehabilitation. Construction commenced in 2024, with first coal produced in June 2024 and production ramping up in FY25.
Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri
The Narromine to Narrabri section is the longest segment of the Inland Rail project, comprising approximately 306km of new single-track greenfield rail corridor in north-western New South Wales. It connects the completed Parkes to Narromine section with the Narrabri to North Star section (under construction). Designed for 1,800m double-stacked freight trains, key features include seven crossing loops (up to 2.2km long), 75 new bridges and viaducts, 49 new public level crossings, millions of cubic metres of earthworks, thousands of concrete culvert drains, road realignments, and utility relocations. The project received NSW Government approval in February 2023 and Australian Government EPBC approval in January 2024. As of November 2025, the project remains in planning and preparation with ongoing field investigations (geotechnical, biodiversity, cultural heritage), design refinement, and landowner consultations; construction has not yet commenced.
Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades (Narrabri to Moree)
Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, this project upgrades ~27.3 km across four priority sections of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree. Works include new heavy duty pavement, wider shoulders, intersection improvements and five new overtaking lanes to improve safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency.
Employment
The labour market in Narrabri Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Narrabri Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025. There are 2,721 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.6% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate is 75.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.
According to Census responses, 17.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (7.2 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (10.2%), and education & training. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with employment decreasing by 0.5%, keeping unemployment stable at 2.3%. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points.
Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
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 the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Narrabri Surrounds as of March 2026 is approximately $58,261 and average income is around $69,999. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Narrabri Surrounds rank modestly, between the 31st and 33rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Narrabri Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Narrabri Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri Surrounds was at 42.7%, with the rest mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,148, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Narrabri Surrounds was $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 35.0%, comprising primary education (14.7%), secondary education (9.8%), and tertiary education (2.8%).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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 are covered by 39 routes providing 357 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically located 328 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (88%), while 8% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.9, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home.
Service frequency averages 51 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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 analysis of 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 (~2,324 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. However, 65.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (929 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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% being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 70.2%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (36.1%), English (29.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%).
These figures were substantially higher than the regional averages of 30.0% and 4.6% respectively. Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.7%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while Korean ancestry stood at 0.2%, slightly above the regional average of 0.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Narrabri Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern
Narrabri Surrounds' median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The 0-4 age group makes up 7.3% of the population in Narrabri Surrounds, compared to Regional NSW's percentage. However, the 75-84 age cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 13.0%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 16.5% to 13.5%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Narrabri Surrounds' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 24%, adding 108 residents and reaching a total of 556. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts.