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 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 since the Census date. 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 surpassed both the SA4 region (3.7%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a leading growth area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

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 applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the population is projected to decrease by 227 persons overall, but specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 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 averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year. Between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, a total of 66 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that the new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choices for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $450,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $9.6 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Narrandera shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 33rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Narrandera's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 522 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Narrandera, which benefits potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 38 projects that could 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 with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services.

The unemployment rate in Narrandera is 6.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.3% over the past year (ending June 2025). As of that date, 2,572 residents are employed, which is a 3.1% difference from Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Narrandera is 53.8%, lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Narrandera has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.5 times the regional level), but limited presence in health care & social assistance (12.1% compared to 16.9% regionally). Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.3%, while labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate potential future demand within Narrandera. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local growth of 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

Narrandera's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,753. The average income stood at $55,138 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,775 (median) and $62,091 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Narrandera all fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 27.0% of the population (1,759 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, unlike trends in the region where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 89.8% of income retained. However, the total disposable income ranks at just the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Narrandera, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera was 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200 for the year ending June 2020. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.

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 university qualification rate in the area is 14.4%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 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: 13.0% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Narrandera has a robust network of six schools educating approximately 858 students, comprising four primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. The area exhibits varied educational conditions across its schools.

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. These include train and bus services. There are 29 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide 242 passenger trips combined. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 389 meters. On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes. This equates to about 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 issues in Narrandera, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 3,101 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and asthma (10.0%), while 61.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of NSW. In Narrandera, 24.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,583 people), higher than the 18.3% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes face challenges broadly aligned with 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%), speaking English only at home (96.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Narrandera, comprising 65.0%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.5%, regional average: 26.3%), English (29.4%, regional average: 24.3%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 8.7% in Narrandera (regional average: 5.1%), as were German (3.9%, regional average: 2.7%) and Scottish (7.6%, regional average: 6.3%).

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 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 has increased from 10.1% to 11.7%, while the 75-84 age group has risen from 7.5% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 10.6%, and the 5-14 age group has 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 people, reaching 268 from 207. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 86% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 75-84 age groups are expected to decrease in number.