Narrandera
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Narrandera's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 6,515 people. This figure represents an increase of 610 individuals, a 10.3% rise from the 2021 Census count of 5,905 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,901 in June 2024 and the addition of 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.7%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Narrandera's population expected to decrease by 227 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is forecasted to increase by 96 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Narrandera, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Narrandera has averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 66 homes were approved, with a further 2 approved in FY26 so far. The average construction cost value for new properties is $450,000.

This financial year has seen $9.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Narrandera shows around 57% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at approximately the 33rd percentile for areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Narrandera's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 522 people. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 38 projects that could impact the region. Key initiatives 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.

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 essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Narrandera was 6.7% as of June 2024.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 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%. Workforce participation in Narrandera stands at 53.8%, below the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Narrandera shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times higher than the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 12.1% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. AreaSearch analysis indicates that over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 6.3%, while labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a slight employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, while the state unemployment rate was 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2%% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Narrandera's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,753. The average income stood at $55,138 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Narrandera would be approximately $52,815 (median) and $60,983 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Narrandera all fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 27.0% of Narrandera's population (1,759 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 89.8% of income, total disposable income in Narrandera ranks at just the 19th 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, with the remaining 5.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 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. Weekly rent in Narrandera was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $250. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 percent of all households, including 23.4 percent that are couples with children, 28.7 percent composed of couples without children, and 12.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.2 percent, with lone person households accounting for 31.7 percent and group households making up 2.3 percent 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 qualification rates in the area are lower than the NSW average, with 14.4% of residents holding university qualifications compared to the state's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 37.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 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. There are six schools operating within Narrandera, educating approximately 858 students. The educational mix includes four primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

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

Narrandera's public transport system has 164 active stops operating within the area. This includes both 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 transport stop. Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual 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 common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 3,101 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.7% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.9% 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% (1,583 people), than the Rest of NSW's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present 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, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 87.7% holding citizenship, and 93.8% having been born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 65.0% of Narrandera's population, compared to 66.9% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage was most prevalent at 32.5%, significantly higher than the regional average of 26.3%. English ancestry followed at 29.4%, again higher than the regional average of 24.3%. Irish ancestry constituted 9.7% of Narrandera's population. Notable differences were observed in the representation of Australian Aboriginal (8.7% vs regional 5.1%), German (3.9% vs regional 2.7%), and Scottish (7.6% vs regional 6.3%) groups.

Narrandera hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Narrandera's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown 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 age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 29 people, reaching 268 from 207. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 86% of the population growth, while both the 0-4 and 75-84 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.