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 per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 24,300 by November 2025. This figure shows a growth of 1,716 individuals (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 22,584. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 23,650 in June 2024 and an additional 555 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 239 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nowra's growth of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.7%) 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, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were 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, 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 recorded approximately 130 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25653 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $224,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $65.8 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nowra has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 49th percentile nationally, offering somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density housing options to cater to varying price brackets.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 86.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding 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 persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Evergreen Rise Estate, and Worrigee Road Subdivision. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Nowra shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Nowra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, unemployment rate is 5.1%, and estimated employment growth over the past year is 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 9,672 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Nowra lags at 51.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.2% of Nowra's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 3.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% 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 indicates that Nowra SA2 had a median income of $46,946 and an average income of $57,818. This is below the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, median income in Nowra is estimated to be approximately $52,866 and average income $65,109. Census 2021 data shows Nowra's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.2% of locals (7,338 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area's pattern at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nowra, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Nowra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.3% of dwellings were houses while 13.6% comprised semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This is comparable to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra stood at 30.0%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 than Australia's 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 make up 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, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3 people.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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

The analysis of public transportation in Nowra shows that there are currently 291 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 63 individual routes providing service to these locations. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,542 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport services is rated as excellent in Nowra, with residents typically located an average distance of 146 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are approximately 220 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about five 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. 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 (~11,882 people). The national average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.8% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Sixty point two percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across Rest of NSW. Sixteen point nine percent of residents are aged 65 and over (4,099 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. The dominant religion in Nowra is Christianity, comprising 50.9% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Nowra at 0.9%, compared to 0.5% across the rest of NSW.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Maltese are equally represented at 0.6%, Lebanese are slightly overrepresented at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 0.1%, and Filipino are more prominent at 0.9% versus the regional average of 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 makes up 16.4% of Nowra's population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 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. Notably, 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.