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 ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,901 in June 2024 and the addition of 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 exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a leading growth area. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by these data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an overall population decline of 227 persons by 2041, but growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably a projected increase of 96 people in the 25 to 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 financial years FY2021 and FY2025, 66 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY2026 up to the present date. The average expected construction cost of these dwellings was $346,000.

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 housing choices and supporting demand for existing properties. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses, with an estimated 82.0%, while townhouses or apartments make up around 18.0%. This maintains Narrandera's low-density nature and attracts buyers seeking space.

With approximately 522 people per dwelling approval, the area has a quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers. Additionally, $9.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting 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 identified 38 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Yanco Battery Energy Storage System, and Yanco Solar Farm. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Narrandera has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 6.3% as of the past year.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over this period. As of September 2025, there are 2,571 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is 2.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Narrandera is 53.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The key industries of employment among Narrandera residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

There is a particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.5 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, with 12.1% employment compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Narrandera increased by 2.8%, while the labour force increased by 5.0%. This resulted in an unemployment rate rise of 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% decline in employment and a 0.1% decline in labour force, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in national employment over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

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 are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $53,775 and average income will be around $62,091. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Narrandera fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution data shows that 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. However, 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 evaluation, 94.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 30.5% and rented ones comprising 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro NSW's averages of $1,300 for rent and $1,863 nationally for mortgage repayments. Narrandera's median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, substantially below the national average 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 comprise the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households making up 2.3%. 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 has university qualification rates of 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. 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+ 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, including 13.0% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

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 facilitate 242 weekly passenger trips. The town's 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 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. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,101 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and asthma (10.0%). A majority of residents (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), versus 18.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors show similar challenges to those seen in 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'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 is the predominant religion in Narrandera, making up 65.0%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Narrandera are Australian (32.5%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 8.7% in Narrandera versus the regional average of 5.1%, German at 3.9% compared to 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 proportion 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 those aged 75-84 increased from 7.5% to 8.7%. Conversely, the age group of 45-54 decreased from 11.9% to 10.6%, and the age group of 5-14 dropped from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, Narrandera's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 29 people, reaching 268 from the current 207. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 86% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 75-84 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.