Quirindi

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Quirindi stands at approximately 7,675 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 124 residents (1.6%) from the 7,551 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 7,671 alongside 48 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting population density is 1.5 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The post-census growth rate of 1.6% is within 2.0 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (3.6%), indicating competitive local growth. The primary driver of this population increase was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 60.7% of the total gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year, for each SA2. For locations not represented in that release, projections from the NSW State Government for the SA2 level from 2022, with a 2021 base year, are utilized instead. The age cohort growth rates derived from these sources are applied to all regions for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, the overall population is projected to shrink, with a projected loss of 405 residents by 2041. In contrast, expansion is expected within particular age categories, most notably the 85 and over cohort, which is forecast to grow by 79 individuals. Further information is available in the age section.

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

Quirindi averages approximately 13 residential development approvals each year, totaling 65 home approvals over the preceding 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 11 during FY-26 so far. Because the population declined in the prior period, the incoming supply has likely matched demand, presenting buyers with reasonable options, while new residential builds show an average construction cost of $379,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $7.5 million have been recorded in the current financial year, highlighting that the area is predominantly residential.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, building activity in Quirindi is significantly subdued, running 64.0% below the regional average per resident. This limited construction pace generally supports demand and prices for the existing housing stock. This rate also sits below the national level, indicating a mature market and potential development limitations. Detached houses make up 90.0% of recent construction while attached dwellings account for 10.0%, sustaining a low-density environment that favors single-family homes for buyers seeking space. An estimated ratio of 895 people per single dwelling approval emphasizes the quiet, low-scale development setting.

Faced with projections of flat or shrinking population numbers, Quirindi could experience reduced pressure on housing, which may generate favorable buying conditions.

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

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects expected to affect the region. Notable projects include the Quirindi Aquatic Centre, the Quipolly Water Project, the Walhallow Community Infrastructure Project, and the Middlebrook Solar Farm, with details on the most relevant works provided below.

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 employment landscape in Quirindi presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

The local workforce in Quirindi features a balanced split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, with an unemployment rate of just 3.7%. As of March 2026, employed residents count 3,976, keeping the unemployment rate 0.4% lower than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is moderate (64.8% relative to 60.6% in Regional NSW). According to Census statistics, a moderate 18.5% of workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Local jobs are concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. The community demonstrates a high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing workers at 4.5 times the regional rate. Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 12.2% of the local workforce, which is lower than the 16.9% average for Regional NSW. A comparison between the census working population and resident population suggests that local employment opportunities within the area are somewhat restricted.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the workforce contracted by 2.1% over the 12-month period, while employment decreased by 3.9%, resulting in a 1.8 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This compares to Regional NSW, which saw employment fall by 0.9%, the labor force contract by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. Future local demand patterns can be understood by looking at the May-25 national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia. These five-year and ten-year national projections are applied to the local workforce distribution to project regional growth. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry projections to Quirindi's employment distribution suggests local jobs will grow by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and excludes specific local population forecasts).

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

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, incomes within the Quirindi SA2 are below the national average, with a median of $46,257 and an average of $53,495. This is lower than the median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 recorded in Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $51,031 for the median and $59,016 for the average. Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Quirindi fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. The income distribution is led by the $800 - 1,499 bracket, which contains 26.6% of residents (2,041 people), whereas regional areas are led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 29.9%. Even though living costs are low, with residents keeping 88.9% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling distribution in Quirindi at the last Census showed that houses represented 96.0% of the market, with other dwellings (apartments, semi-detached, and alternative structures) accounting for 4.0%, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other structures in Regional NSW. Home ownership in Quirindi was high at 47.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (26.9%) or renting tenants (25.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,133 was significantly below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $230 was also below the regional rate of $330. Nationally, Quirindi's mortgage repayments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 66.4%, consisting of couples with children (23.3%), couples without children (30.4%), and single parents (11.4%). Non-family living situations represent the remaining 33.6%, with single-person households at 30.8% and group share households at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the average of 2.4 across Regional NSW.

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

The region displays educational disparities, with university degree attainment rates (13.1%) falling well short of the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge but also an opening for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent 10.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational qualifications are common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (32.5%).

Participation in study is quite strong, with 29.8% of the population currently enrolled in an educational institution. This figure includes 12.0% in primary schooling, 9.6% in high schools, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis identifies 417 active bus and train stops operating in Quirindi. These stops are served by 37 distinct routes, which provide a total of 1,422 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 194 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential character, most workers travel out of the area for work, with cars being the main transport mode at 90%, and 8% of residents walking. Households average 1.6 vehicles. Approximately 18.5% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

Service frequency averages 203 daily journeys across all routes, which is about 3 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the locations of the 100 nearest stops relative to the centrepoint of the area.

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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic health conditions, Quirindi faces distinct health difficulties. Common medical issues are prevalent across both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is notably low at roughly 47% of the population (~3,576 people). This compares to a rate of 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.9% and 9.0% of the population, respectively, while 62.7% of residents reported having no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population experiences high rates of chronic disease. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 26.5% of the local population (2,036 people), which exceeds the Regional NSW level of 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings matching those of the broader community.

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

The local population displays limited cultural diversity, with citizens representing 87.0% of the community, 94.6% born in Australia, and 97.0% using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 67.5% of the population, which is higher than the 55.9% average in Regional NSW.

In terms of parent birthplace ancestry, the largest groups in Quirindi are Australian (34.0%), English (31.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.7%), with the Aboriginal proportion significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Other specific ethnic groups show distinct concentrations, with Scottish ancestry at 7.8% (compared to 8.0% regionally) and Irish at 8.0% (compared to 8.8% regionally).

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

Quirindi's median age of 47 years is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 55 - 64 years (15.3%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (8.4%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.9% to 9.0% of the population. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 11.2% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, the age structure is projected to shift, with the 85+ cohort growing by 41% (77 people) to reach 268 from 190. This aging trend is clear, as residents aged 65+ make up 78% of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are expected in the 45 to 54 and 35 to 44 cohorts.