Nowra

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 of November 2025, is approximately 24,300. This figure represents a growth of 1,716 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 22,584. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,650 in June 2024 and an additional 555 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 239 persons per square kilometer. Nowra's growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, indicating 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over this period, with the area expected to increase by 10,884 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 42.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Nowra granted approval for approximately 130 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25653 homes were approved, with a further 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes was $374,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $65.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Nowra has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks at the 49th percentile nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer choices while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns that are currently 86.0% houses.

This change 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 potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nowra is projected to add 10,234 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Nowra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Evergreen Rise Estate, and Worrigee Road Subdivision. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Nowra has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in June 2025, aligning with Rest of NSW's rate.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. As of June 2025, 9,605 residents were employed while workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety had notably high concentration, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.2% of Nowra's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while labour force grew by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a 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 median income in Nowra SA2 was $46,946 and average income was $57,818. This is below the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Nowra as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,866, and average income would be around $65,109. Census 2021 data reveals incomes in Nowra fall between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 30.2% of locals (7,338 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to broader area patterns at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nowra, with only 80.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Nowra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra was at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. Median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were lower 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (34.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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, consisting of bus services. These are covered by 63 routes, offering 1,542 weekly passenger trips combined. Residents have excellent transport access, with an average distance of 146 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 220 trips daily across all routes, translating to about five trips per week 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. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population, which totals around 11,882 people. This figure is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 11.8% of residents. Arthritis follows closely, affecting 10.1% of residents. Meanwhile, 60.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.9%, with around 4,099 people falling into this category. This is in contrast to the 27.8% figure seen 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 has a cultural diversity profile as follows: 84.5% citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion with 50.9%. The 'Other' category comprises 0.9%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). Notable divergences include Maltese at 0.6% (vs regional 0.6%), Lebanese at 0.2% (vs regional 0.1%), and Filipino at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%).

Nowra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.4% of the population in Nowra, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.7%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 16.4%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.6% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Nowra. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 2,132 people to reach a total of 6,113 from the current figure of 3,980.