Narrabri Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Narrabri Surrounds's population is around 4,614 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 2 people (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,616 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,607 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Narrabri Surrounds's -0.0% growth since the census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 76.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 278 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 5.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually (12 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: the small sample size means that individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Narrabri Surrounds naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of NSW. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 95.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 1345 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades (Narrabri to Moree), Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS, Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the Narrabri Place Strategy, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Narrabri Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Narrabri Surrounds possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. As of December 2025, 2,721 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (75.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 7.2 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 10.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5% combined with employment decreasing by 0.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Narrabri Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Narrabri Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Narrabri Surrounds SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $52,811 while the average income stands at $63,451. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,490 (median) and $69,073 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Narrabri Surrounds, between the 31st and 33rd percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 30.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,402 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 90.7% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 39th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Narrabri Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Narrabri Surrounds was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 42.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,148, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Narrabri Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.2% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 159 active transport stops operating within Narrabri Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 39 individual routes, collectively providing 357 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 17.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,330 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.3% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 65.1% declared themselves as 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 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (911 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.3% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Narrabri Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 70.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Narrabri Surrounds are Australian, comprising 36.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 30.0%, English, comprising 29.0% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 10.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Irish is represented at 8.7% in Narrabri Surrounds (vs 8.8% regionally) and Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Narrabri Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Narrabri Surrounds's median age is somewhat lower than the Regional NSW average of 43, yet modestly exceeds the 38-year national average. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 13.6% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 5.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 13.6% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 13.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Narrabri Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 110 residents to reach 574. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.