Nowra
Statistical Area - sa2

Nowra lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Nowra's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 24,117 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,533 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,584. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,650 in June 2024 and an additional 482 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 237 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nowra's growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.4%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 36.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate exceptional growth, placing Nowra in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 10,884 persons based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 43.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Nowra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Nowra has recorded approximately 211 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 1,059 homes over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with seven approvals so far in FY-26. On average, about 2.9 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $374,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers.

There has been $65.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity compared to the Rest of NSW, where Nowra shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, Nowra places among the 49th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 86.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The location has approximately 330 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Nowra will gain 10,417 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 24 such projects that are expected to have an impact on the area. Notable among these are Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Evergreen Rise Estate, and Worrigee Road Subdivision, with a detailed list provided below for those of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Nowra remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Nowra has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of June 2025.

This is in line with the Rest of NSW's rate, but workforce participation lags at 51.3%. Major industries for residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% of Nowra's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income in Nowra is below the national average. The median assessed income is $46,946 and the average income stands at $57,818. In contrast, Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nowra would be approximately $51,922 (median) and $63,947 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Nowra all fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 30.2% of locals (7,283 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Nowra, as per the latest Census, was 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra was at 30.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Nowra was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 68.3% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 31.7%, with lone person households making up 28.3% and group households composing 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.0%). Educational participation is high at 33.1%, comprising primary education (12.3%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

Eleven schools serve 4,594 students in the area, with a mix of six primary, four secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, at 19.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.8, indicating the area functions as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 291 active transport stops in Nowra, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are served by 63 individual routes, collectively providing 1,542 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Nowra, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~11,793 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.8% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 59.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,068 people), which is lower than the 27.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Nowra's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nowra, accounting for 50.9% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.9% of Nowra's population compared to 0.5% across Rest of NSW.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups in Nowra are Australian (31.8%), English (29.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). There were also notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Maltese was overrepresented at 0.6%, Lebanese at 0.2%, and Filipino at 0.9%.

Nowra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 36 years, which is significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 16.4% compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.4%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Nowra, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 55%, reaching 6,113 people from the current figure of 3,950.