North Nowra - Bomaderry

An assessment of population growth drivers in North Nowra - Bomaderry reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, North Nowra - Bomaderry's population is around 16,648 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 550 people (3.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,098 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,406 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 707 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 166 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. North Nowra - Bomaderry's 3.4% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 64.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,884 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees North Nowra - Bomaderry among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

North Nowra - Bomaderry has averaged around 119 new dwelling approvals annually, with 595 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 201 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections. New dwellings are being developed at an average value of $408,000‚moderately above regional levels‚indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $50.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, North Nowra - Bomaderry has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 86.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 80 people per approval, North Nowra - Bomaderry reflects a low density area.

Future projections show North Nowra - Bomaderry adding 1,642 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

North Nowra - Bomaderry has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Yards, Bomaderry, Bomaderry High School Upgrade, Landcom Bomaderry Build-to-Rent Apartments, and SCaRP - Bomaderry Sporting Complex Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 analysis indicates North Nowra - Bomaderry maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

North Nowra - Bomaderry has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,311 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.3% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.7% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% and the labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within North Nowra - Bomaderry. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to North Nowra - Bomaderry's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the North Nowra - Bomaderry SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $50,405 while the average income stands at $59,976. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,871 (median) and $65,290 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in North Nowra - Bomaderry all fall between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 30.0% of the population (4,994 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within North Nowra - Bomaderry, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within North Nowra - Bomaderry was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 40.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $346, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, North Nowra - Bomaderry's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

North Nowra - Bomaderry has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.4% of all households, comprising 25.6% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Educational outcomes in North Nowra - Bomaderry fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 279 active transport stops operating within North Nowra - Bomaderry, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 55 individual routes, collectively providing 3,517 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 502 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing North Nowra - Bomaderry, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~8,140 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0% and 10.1% of residents, respectively, while 60.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,814 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

North Nowra - Bomaderry ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Nowra - Bomaderry was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in North Nowra - Bomaderry is Christianity, which makes up 52.1% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in North Nowra - Bomaderry are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.7% of North Nowra - Bomaderry (vs 4.6% regionally), Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

North Nowra - Bomaderry hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 43, North Nowra - Bomaderry is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.7%), while the 55 - 64 group is comparatively smaller (11.6%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.5% to 12.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.6% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in North Nowra - Bomaderry's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 25% (536 people), reaching 2,646 from 2,109. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.