Narrandera

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

Narrandera's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,515 people. This figure represents a growth of 610 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,905. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,901 in June 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 227 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably a projected increase of 96 people in the 25-34 age group.

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

Narrandera averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year. Between the financial years 2021 and 2025, 66 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in the financial year 2026. The average expected construction cost value of these properties is $450,000.

In comparison to other areas in NSW, Narrandera has shown around 57% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at approximately the 32nd percentile for areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This level is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. The new building activity consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Narrandera's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated population of 522 people per dwelling approval, the development environment is quiet and low activity. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in Narrandera, benefiting potential buyers. Additionally, $9.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity.

Narrandera has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 38 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Yanco Battery Energy Storage System, and Yanco Solar Farm. The following list details those likely 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Narrandera faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Narrandera has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.7%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 6.3%. As of June 2025, 2,572 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, indicating potential improvement areas. Workforce participation in Narrandera is somewhat lower at 53.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong presence with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.1%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.3% while labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a slight employment decline of 0.1% with labour force growth of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data for NSW as of Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The Narrandera SA2's median income among taxpayers was $47,753 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,138 during the same period. These figures compare to the Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income will be approximately $53,775 and the average income around $62,091. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Narrandera fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.0% of Narrandera's population (1,759 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest in Narrandera, with 89.8% of income retained, but 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

In Narrandera, as per the latest Census, 94.9% of dwellings were houses while 5.0% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged properties at 30.5% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Narrandera was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $250. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 65.8% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Narrandera faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is 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

Narrandera has 164 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 individual routes that collectively provide 242 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 389 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

Health performance in Narrandera is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Narrandera, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (~3101 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and asthma (10.0%). 61.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of NSW. Narrandera has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.3% (1583 people), versus 18.3% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes face challenges broadly reflective of the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (93.8%), and speaking English only at home (96.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Narrandera, comprising 65.0%, compared to 66.9% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 8.7% in Narrandera versus 5.1% regionally, German at 3.9% versus 2.7%, and Scottish at 7.6% versus 6.3%.

Narrandera hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Narrandera's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.1% to 11.7%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 7.5% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 11.9% to 10.6% and the 5-14 age group dropped from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, Narrandera's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 268 residents from the current 207. This demographic aging will be led by an increase in residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 86% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 75-84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.