Quirindi

Quirindi has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Quirindi's population is around 7,810 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 259 people (3.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,551 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,670 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Quirindi's 3.4% growth since the census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 37.3% 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 383 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 78 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Quirindi is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Quirindi has recorded around 13 residential properties granted approval per year, with 65 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $379,000. Also, $7.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Quirindi has significantly less development activity (64.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 895 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Quirindi should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Quirindi has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Quirindi Aquatic Centre, Quipolly Water Project, Walhallow Community Infrastructure Project, and Middlebrook Solar Farm, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Quirindi exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Quirindi features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 4,028 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (64.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.5 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 12.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.8% alongside a 1.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Quirindi. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. 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 industry-specific projections to Quirindi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Quirindi SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $46,257 while the average income stands at $53,495. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,355 (median) and $58,235 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Quirindi all fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 26.6% of residents (2,077 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 88.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Quirindi is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Quirindi, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Quirindi was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 47.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (25.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,133, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Quirindi's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Quirindi features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.4% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Quirindi faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.1%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (32.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 417 active transport stops operating within Quirindi, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 1,422 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 194 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 18.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Quirindi, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,639 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 62.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,032 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Quirindi placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Quirindi was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.0% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Quirindi is Christianity, which makes up 67.5% of people in Quirindi, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Quirindi are Australian, comprising 34.0% of the population, English, comprising 31.2% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 10.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is represented at 7.8% of Quirindi (vs 8.0% regionally) and Irish at 8.0% (vs 8.8%).

Quirindi hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 47 years, Quirindi's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.7%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.0%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.5%. By 2041, Quirindi is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 38% (75 people), reaching 272 from 196. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 81% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts.