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

North Nowra - Bomaderry's population was around 17,137 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,039 people from the 2021 Census figure of 16,098. The change was inferred from ABS' June 2024 estimate of 16,418 and validated new addresses since then. This resulted in a population density ratio of 171 persons per square kilometer. North Nowra - Bomaderry's growth rate of 6.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, indicating it was a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.5% to this population increase.

AreaSearch used 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 were used, with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 1,884 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.7% over the 17-year period.

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

North Nowra - Bomaderry averaged approximately 119 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 595 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 176 approvals recorded so far in FY26. This indicates a consistent level of development activity in the area.

The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.4, suggesting that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand. This trend supports greater buyer choice and potential population growth above projections. The average value of new dwellings developed during this period was $408,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In the current financial year, there have been $50.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting 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 trends show 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. North Nowra - Bomaderry reflects a developing area with around 80 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 1,153 residents by 2041. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Bomaderry High School Upgrade, Landcom Bomaderry Build-to-Rent Apartments, SCaRP - Bomaderry Sporting Complex Redevelopment, and The Yards, Bomaderry. Relevant projects are detailed 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 North Nowra - Bomaderry ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

North Nowra - Bomaderry has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%. As of that date, 7,308 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area shows 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 offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, and labour force increased by 3.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows 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 suggest that 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 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that North Nowra - Bomaderry SA2 had a median income of $47,169 and an average income of $57,766. These figures are below the national averages of $53,854 (median) and $66,059 (average). In comparison, Rest of NSW had median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively in 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes for North Nowra - Bomaderry SA2 would be approximately $53,117 (median) and $65,050 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in North Nowra - Bomaderry fall between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.0% of the population (5,141 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the regional pattern where 29.9% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Nowra - Bomaderry SA2, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

North Nowra - Bomaderry is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In North Nowra - Bomaderry, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.4% of dwellings were houses while 13.6% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Nowra - Bomaderry stood at 40.2%, with mortgaged properties at 31.7% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. Weekly rent was recorded at $346, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, North Nowra - Bomaderry had lower mortgage repayments ($1,733 vs Australia's $1,863) and rents ($346 vs Australia's $375).

North Nowra - Bomaderry has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.4% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in North Nowra - Bomaderry indicates that there are currently 259 active transport stops operating in the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 56 individual routes collectively providing 3,484 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 145 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 497 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

North Nowra - Bomaderry faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% of the total population (~8,379 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.1%), with 60.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments. This figure is slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 59.4%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.1% (3,967 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 27.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in North Nowra - Bomaderry present some challenges, generally mirroring those of the broader 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.1% of the population, slightly lower than the 52.6% recorded across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, the Australian Aboriginal population was overrepresented at 4.7%, compared to 4.4% regionally, while Welsh (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.3%) populations were also slightly higher than their respective regional averages of 0.6% and 0.2%.

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

The median age in North Nowra - Bomaderry is 43 years, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows a notable presence of individuals aged 25-34 (12.3%) compared to other age groups. Conversely, the 55-64 group comprises 11.8%, which is smaller than Rest of NSW's figure. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 10.5% to 11.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.8%. Additionally, the 65-74 age group has dropped from 13.3% to 12.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in North Nowra - Bomaderry's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 2,646 individuals from its current figure of 2,112. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups.