Narrandera

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Narrandera's population is around 6,331 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 426 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,905 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,901 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 330 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Narrandera's 7.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 227 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 96 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Narrandera has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 66 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $346,000. Additionally, $9.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Narrandera records about 57% of the building activity per person and places in the 32nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 522 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Narrandera may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Narrandera has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 38 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Yanco Battery Energy Storage System, and Yanco Solar Farm, 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 performance in Narrandera lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Narrandera possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.1%. As of December 2025, 2,496 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.1% of Narrandera's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.0% while employment declined by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the 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 Narrandera. 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 Narrandera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Narrandera SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,917, with an average of $56,687. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,251 (median) and $61,709 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Narrandera all fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 27.0% of residents (1,709 people), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 89.8% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Narrandera, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.0% 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 Narrandera was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 44.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.5%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narrandera features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households, comprising 23.4% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Narrandera 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 (14.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.1% 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 270 active transport stops operating within Narrandera, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Narrandera is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Narrandera, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,007 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.7% and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.9% 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 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,558 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Narrandera was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 93.8% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Narrandera is Christianity, which makes up 65.0% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Narrandera are Australian, comprising 32.5% of the population, English, comprising 29.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.7% of Narrandera (vs 4.6% regionally), German at 3.9% (vs 3.1%) and Scottish at 7.6% (vs 8.0%).

Narrandera hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Narrandera's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Narrandera has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (13.5%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.6% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.2% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.4% to 13.0%. By 2041, Narrandera is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 32% (65 people), reaching 268 from 202. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 85% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.