Narrandera

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

Narrandera's population is approximately 5,930 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 25 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,905. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,926 in June 2025 and an additional 415 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's 0.4% growth since the census is comparable to the SA3 area's 1.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

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. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 245 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 78 people.

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 annually over the past five financial years, with a total of 66 homes approved between FY20-21 and FY25-26. As of FY26, there have been 14 additional dwelling approvals. The average expected construction cost value for these dwellings is $346,000.

In the current financial year, Narrandera has recorded $9.6 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera shows around 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks at approximately the 32nd percentile nationally for dwelling approvals per capita. This suggests limited choice for buyers and supports demand for existing properties in the area. New building activity consists predominantly of detached houses (82.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (18.0%), reflecting Narrandera's low-density nature.

The estimated population density, based on dwelling approvals, is 522 people per dwelling. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which may reduce housing demand pressures in the area, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 38 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are 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 with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 6.1% as of December 2025. There were 2,496 residents in work at this time, which is 2.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 55.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Narrandera has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 12.1% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0%, with a 3.7% decline in employment, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW had an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Narrandera SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,917 and an average income of $56,687. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $53,965 (median) and $62,537 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Narrandera fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 27.0% of residents earn $800 - $1,499 weekly, compared to the broader area where 29.9% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing costs are modest 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

Narrandera's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. Compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings, Narrandera had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented dwellings at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Narrandera was $200, significantly lower than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were 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% 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, 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's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the 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. Advanced diplomas account for 8.5% and certificates for 28.9%.

Educational participation is high at 30.6%, including 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 270 active transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 37 routes, providing 415 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop is 193 meters for residents. Most commuters travel outwards daily, with cars being the primary mode at 90%, followed by walking at 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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

Narrandera faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,816 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and asthma (10.0%). However, 61.9% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (24.7%, or 1,465 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 below average, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, born in Australia (93.8%), and speaking English only at home (96.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 65.0%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 8.7% in Narrandera versus 4.6% regionally, German at 3.9% versus 3.1%, and Scottish at 7.6% versus 8.0%.

Narrandera hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Narrandera's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Narrandera has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group of 15 to 24 has grown from 10.1% to 12.5%, while the age group of 75 to 84 has increased from 7.5% to 8.9%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has declined from 14.4% to 12.8%, and the age group of 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.9% to 10.3%. By 2041, Narrandera's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 264 people from 186. Meanwhile, the age groups of 75 to 84 and 45 to 54 are expected to experience population declines.