Narrandera

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the resident population of Narrandera is approximately 5,930 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 25 residents (0.4%) compared to the 5,905 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,926 along with 415 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment for the community. The post-census growth rate of 0.4% in Narrandera is within 1.4 percentage points of the 1.8% rate observed in the wider SA3 region, pointing to competitive local dynamics. Population expansion in this locality has been almost entirely driven by net overseas migration during recent timeframes.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the starting year, for each SA2 region. For any SA2 regions where this dataset is unavailable, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are substituted. Age-specific growth trends derived from these sources are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on this approach, the overall population is projected to contract, decreasing by 245 persons by 2041. In contrast, specific age brackets are set to expand, particularly individuals aged 85 and over, whose numbers are expected to rise by 78 people. Refer to the age profile section for additional breakdown.

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

Narrandera averages approximately 13 residential building approvals annually, with a total of 66 dwellings approved during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 16 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. Because the local population has decreased recently, this pace of building has been relatively sufficient, which benefits buyers, and new homes are built at a mean cost of $346,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals valued at $9.6 million have been registered in the current financial year, indicating a steady level of commercial investment.

When compared to the Rest of NSW, Narrandera registers about two-thirds of the new home approvals per capita and ranks in the 31st percentile among all analyzed locations across the country, which limits options for buyers but bolsters the demand for pre-existing houses. This rate is also below the national average, pointing to a mature market and potential developmental barriers. New residential projects consist of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the low-density character of the suburb with a focus on standalone homes that appeal to buyers looking for space. The ratio of 523 people per single dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low construction frequency.

Since the population is projected to remain steady or contract, Narrandera is likely to experience less pressure on its housing inventory, which could open up favorable options for prospective home buyers.

Narrandera has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local performance is heavily shaped by adjustments to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning changes. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 38 projects that are expected to impact the local community. Important projects include the Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Yanco Battery Energy Storage System, and Yanco Solar Farm, with the details of the most significant developments outlined below.

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

The workforce in Narrandera features a balanced mix of professional and manual labor roles, with a strong presence in public and community services, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.9%. As of March 2026, there are 2,562 employed local citizens, with the unemployment rate standing 1.8% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and the participation rate is lower than average (56.5% relative to 60.6% across Regional NSW). According to Census data, a modest 12.4% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The region shows a strong industrial concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs workers at a rate 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 12.1% of local employment, which is lower than the 16.9% recorded across Regional NSW. Comparing the number of working residents to the local jobs recorded in the Census suggests that the area provides a limited pool of local employment opportunities.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the local labor force contracted by 3.4% and total employment fell by 2.9% during the twelve months ending March 2026, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate prospective demand trends for Narrandera. These five- and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Locally, applying these national sector-specific projections suggests employment in Narrandera could rise by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted calculation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population forecasts.

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

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the most recent postcode ATO statistics published for the 2023 financial year, the median income of taxpayers in the Narrandera SA2 was $48,917, while the average income was $56,687. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $53,965 for the median and $62,537 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Narrandera sit within the 12th to 18th percentiles across Australia. The distribution of income shows that the largest cohort comprises 27.0% of taxpayers earning between $800 and $1,499 weekly (1,601 residents), which differs from the broader region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common at 29.9%. Even though living costs are low, leaving residents with 89.8% of their income after housing expenses, the total disposable income is positioned at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

An analysis of residential structures in Narrandera at the time of the latest Census showed that standalone houses accounted for 94.9% of properties, while semi-detached homes, units, and other formats made up 5.0%, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other options across Regional NSW. Furthermore, home ownership without a mortgage stood at 44.1%, which is considerably higher than the rate in Regional NSW, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (30.5%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly housing payment for mortgage holders was $1,000, and the median weekly rent was $200, which are low compared to the Regional NSW medians of $1,733 and $330. On a national level, Narrandera's housing costs are well below the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the median rent of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of local households at 65.8%, consisting of 23.4% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parents. The remaining 34.2% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 31.7% and group homes making up 2.3% of the total. The average household size in the area is 2.3 people, which is slightly 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

Educational attainment levels in the region present distinct hurdles, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (14.4%) sitting far below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This gap highlights both a developmental hurdle and a potential focus area for educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 10.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Practical and vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (28.9%).

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.6% of residents currently registered in an educational institution. This group includes 13.0% enrolled in primary schools, 9.0% in secondary schools, and 2.1% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

An evaluation of transit options shows 270 public transport stops within Narrandera, consisting of train stations and bus stops. These stops are served by 37 different routes, providing a combined total of 415 passenger services every week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living a median distance of 193 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel option at 90%, and 8% of people walking. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.5. A small share of the workforce (12.4%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency averages 59 trips each day across all active routes, which represents approximately 1 trip per week for each individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 stops closest to the central point of the area.

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

Significant health issues are apparent in Narrandera based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of long-term conditions, which affect both younger residents and elderly groups. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at roughly 48% of the population (~2,816 people). This is lower than the Regional NSW rate of 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent health diagnoses among residents, affecting 10.7% and 10.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 61.9% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age cohort exhibits high rates of chronic illness, indicating notable health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 24.7% of the population (1,465 people), which exceeds the Regional NSW level of 23.4%. Health profiles among these older residents show some difficulties, with national performance metrics aligning closely with the broader population trends.

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 displays a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national averages, with citizens making up 87.7% of the population, 93.8% of residents born in Australia, and 96.2% using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, selected by 65.0% of residents, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

In terms of family heritage, the primary ancestries reported by Narrandera residents are Australian at 32.5%, English at 29.4%, and Irish at 9.7%. There are also notable differences in the proportions of other groups, with Australian Aboriginal residents making up 8.7% of the population (compared to 4.6% in the region), German ancestry at 3.9% (compared to 3.1%), and Scottish ancestry at 7.6% (compared to 8.0%).

Narrandera hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Narrandera is 44 years, which is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years and well above the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Narrandera has a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (13.5%) but fewer people in the 35 - 44 bracket (9.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.1% to 12.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 7.5% to 8.9%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group contracted from 14.4% to 12.8%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 11.9% to 10.3%. By 2041, the age structure of the population is expected to undergo major shifts. The 85+ age group will lead these changes, growing by 42% (an increase of 77 people) to reach 264 from 186. Conversely, the 75 to 84 and 45 to 54 brackets are projected to experience population decreases.