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, stood at 23,908 by May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,324 people, marking a 5.9% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,584. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,718 in June 2025 and an additional 709 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 235 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nowra's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (3.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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 9,979 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 40.9% over the 16 years.

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

Nowra has recorded approximately 130 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 653 homes were approved, with an additional 51 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $224,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. This year alone, $65.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nowra has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 49th percentile nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction consists of 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density housing options to cater to various price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives.

This shift marks a significant departure from the existing housing pattern, which is currently 86.0% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 330 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nowra is projected to add 9,787 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Nowra has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Evergreen Rise Estate, and New Primary School and Public Preschool in Worrigee. The following list details those most 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.

The labour market performance in Nowra lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Nowra has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 5.6% as of December 2025. This is 1.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Nowra is lower at 53.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.1% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Nowra shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.2% of Nowra's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The ratio of workers to residents indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities than average. Over the past year, labour force increased by 2.6%, but employment decreased by 0.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix, local employment is expected to 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 aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Nowra SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,085 and an average income of $59,951. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $55,254 (median) and $66,138 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nowra fall between the 20th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 30.2% of Nowra's population, equating to 7,220 individuals, have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to regional levels 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra was at 30.0%, with the rest mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $330, also matching Regional NSW's figure. 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 percent of all households, including 26.5 percent couples with children, 25.4 percent couples without children, and 15.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.7 percent, with lone person households at 28.3 percent and group households comprising 3.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4 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 disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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 transport in Nowra indicates that there are 332 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops consist of a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 64 individual routes, collectively providing 1,536 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Nowra is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 93% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 219 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Nowra faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of Nowra's total population (~11,691 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 11.8% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 60.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include high chronic condition rates. Nowra has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,073 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are broadly in line with national rankings.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.6%), and speaking English only at home (92.3%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Nowra, comprising 50.9% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 0.9% of Nowra's population compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). Notably, Maltese (0.6%) and Filipino (0.9%) are overrepresented in Nowra compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Nowra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.2% of Nowra's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.9%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional NSW. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.8%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 14.8% to 16.2%. However, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Nowra in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 5,836 people from its current total of 3,877.