Narromine

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

According to calculations by AreaSearch, the population of Narromine is estimated at roughly 6,500 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 42 individuals (0.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 6,458 residents. This shift is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 6,499 in June 2025 and 64 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density. The post-census expansion of 0.7% in Narromine is within 2.1 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (2.8%), showcasing comparable growth trends. Net gains in the local population were mostly underpinned by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 70.7% of the total growth in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for individual SA2 sectors. For locations where this dataset is unavailable, SA2 projections from the NSW State Government published in 2022 using a 2021 base year are utilized instead. Projections for the years 2032 to 2041 also apply these age-specific growth rates. Based on these models, the overall population is expected to contract, dropping by 859 persons by 2041. In contrast, expansion is anticipated within specific age cohorts, particularly among individuals aged 85 and over, whose numbers are projected to rise by 68 people. Refer to the age breakdown section for further details.

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

An average of approximately 12 new home approvals have been granted annually in Narromine, amounting to 62 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 13 approvals have been logged. Because the local population has been contracting, this volume of new supply has likely matched demand requirements, providing options for prospective buyers, with new dwellings constructed at an average cost of $393,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals of $3.7 million have been registered during this financial year, representing a low volume of commercial construction activity.

Building activity in Narromine is significantly subdued when compared to the Rest of NSW, tracking 66.0% below the regional per capita average. This constrained pipeline of new dwellings typically helps sustain demand and prices for existing residential properties. The rate of construction also falls below the national average, highlighting the mature state of the market and potential regulatory limits on planning. Of the new approvals, 67.0% are detached houses and 33.0% are medium and high-density formats, with a rising share of townhouses and apartments offering choices across various budgets, ranging from houses for families to smaller, cheaper options. This marks a clear departure from the current housing stock, which is 94.0% houses, showing that vacant building blocks are becoming scarce while reflecting evolving lifestyles and demand for varied, affordable housing. The ratio of 575 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low construction volumes.

Given that the population is projected to stabilize or decrease, Narromine is likely to experience less pressure on its housing market, which may present favorable conditions for purchasers.

Narromine has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Local performance is strongly affected by changes to infrastructure, major projects, and planning developments. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects in total that are likely to influence the area. Prominent developments include Macquarie Estate, Narromine Water Treatment Plant, Rail Corridor Program - Narromine To Gowrie, and Narromine Industrial Precinct, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list 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 positions Narromine ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Narromine has a balanced workforce distributed across manual and professional occupations, featuring broad industry representation and a low unemployment rate of 2.6%. In March 2026, 2,975 local residents were employed, representing an unemployment rate 1.5% below the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW, while the rate of workforce participation is close to the 60.6% seen in Regional NSW. According to Census records, a moderate 14.3% of workers operated from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The local workforce is heavily concentrated in the sectors of agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The region exhibits a high level of specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with its share of employment reaching 4.8 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, accounting for 13.0% of jobs compared to 16.9% across the region. The area appears to have a shortage of local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of workers at Census locations against the resident workforce.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 2.2% and total employment fell by 1.8%, which led to a 0.4 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% decrease in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional context on future labor demand for Narromine. These five- and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary widely across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts directly to the employment profile of Narromine indicates that local jobs would rise by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, although this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

The most recent ATO postcode data for the 2023 financial year shows that average incomes in the Narromine SA2 are below the national baseline, with a median of $49,708 and an average of $57,362. This compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of approximately $54,838 and an average of $63,282 as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are modest in Narromine, placing between the 21st and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 30.1% of the population (1,956 individuals), which matches the metropolitan rate of 29.9% for the same cohort. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 89.1% of their income, total disposable income ranks at only the 28th percentile nationwide.

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

Residential architecture in Narromine at the time of the last Census consisted of 93.9% standalone houses and 6.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Narromine were significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 44.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (30.1%) or renters (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,200 was well below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage costs in Narromine are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national median of $375.

Narromine has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the largest share of households at 68.5%, consisting of 26.4% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 12.5% single parents. The remaining 31.5% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 29.1% and group houses accounting for 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Narromine faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The locality presents educational disparities, with university degree attainment rates (15.7%) sitting far below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This situation highlights both a developmental hurdle and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (30.8%).

A high level of educational enrollment is observed locally, with 33.9% of the population engaged in study. This includes 14.2% attending primary schools, 10.4% in high schools, and 2.0% enrolled in higher education.

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

An assessment of public transport shows 332 active stops in Narromine, combining train and bus services. These stops are served by 42 distinct routes, which provide a total of 1,147 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 188 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential community, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with cars being the primary mode of travel at 90%, and 7% of people walking. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.6. In addition, 14.3% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been affected by COVID-19 regulations.

Across all transit routes, service frequency averages 163 trips per day, which equates to about 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 closest stops relative to the center of the area.

Health performance in Narromine is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health statistics point to notable difficulties in Narromine, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older demographics, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very low at roughly 48% (~3,094 people). This is lower than the 51.9% recorded in Regional NSW and the national baseline of 55.7%.

The most common diagnoses in the region were arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.1% and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 64.3% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Residents of working age display higher-than-average rates of chronic illnesses. People aged 65 and over make up 22.4% of the population (1,455 people), and health outcomes for this senior cohort present challenges, ranking worse than the national averages for their age group.

The latest Census data sees Narromine placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Narromine is below average, with citizens making up 85.6% of the population, 95.4% of residents born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 73.3% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds based on parent birthplaces, the three most common heritages in Narromine are Australian at 33.1%, English at 28.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 14.5%, which is much higher than the regional average of 4.6%. There are also distinct variations in other heritages: Irish background is represented at 7.9% in Narromine (compared to 8.8% regionally) and Scottish at 7.3% (compared to 8.0% regionally).

Narromine's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Narromine is 41 years, which is slightly younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 but higher than the national median of 38 years. The 0 - 4 age cohort is well represented at 7.0% compared to Regional NSW, while the 65 - 74 bracket is less common at 11.1%. Estimates compiled since the 2021 Census indicate that the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.6% to 12.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 group has grown from 7.4% to 8.5%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.9% to 13.1%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 13.3% to 11.9%. Demographic forecasts suggest that Narromine's age structure will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow the fastest, increasing by 37% (67 individuals) to reach 249. Seniors aged 65+ will account for 91% of total population growth, highlighting the aging trend of the area, while the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to contract.