Coonamble

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

As of 1 November 2025, the estimated population of the Coonamble statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,799 people. This figure reflects a growth of 133 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,666 people. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the ABS resident population data from June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, Coonamble (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 5.0%, surpassing both its SA3 area (2.5%) and SA4 region. Natural growth accounted for roughly 78.0% of this population increase.

AreaSearch's projections for the Coonamble statistical area (Lv2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, indicate a decline in overall population over the period from 2025 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decrease by 336 persons by the year 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this time, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 27 people.

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

Coonamble had minimal residential development activity between 2016 and 2020 with an average of two dwelling approvals annually. This resulted in a total of twelve dwellings approved over the five-year period. Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest, and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity.

It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Coonamble shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of NSW during this period. Development levels were also under national averages. New building activity showed 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marked a significant departure from existing housing patterns in Coonamble, which were currently at 92.0% houses.

The estimated count of 786 people in the area per dwelling approval reflected its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline in the future, Coonamble should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Coonamble has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially affect this area. Key projects include Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri, Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, and Newell Highway Upgrade, with the following list outlining 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 Coonamble face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Coonamble has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,029 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Coonamble is significantly lower at 47.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 0.9%, compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.4% and employment declined by 5.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Coonamble's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Coonamble suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $41,749 and an average of $59,182. These figures are lower than the national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $45,448 (median) and $64,426 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Coonamble fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (800 people), similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest, allowing for retention of 90.2% of income, but total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally.

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

In Coonamble, as per the latest Census, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coonamble stood at 39.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $883, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,000. The median weekly rent in Coonamble was $190, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $180. Nationally, Coonamble's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.8% of all households, including 19.0% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 19.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.3% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Coonamble has 77 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes that together facilitate 115 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated excellent, with residents typically located 169 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Coonamble faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of its total population (~1,409 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (11.4%) and arthritis (9.2%). Notably, 60.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in the Rest of NSW. Among seniors aged 65 and over, who make up 19.2% of Coonamble's population (537 people), health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with those of the general population.

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

Coonamble had a cultural diversity level below average, with 83.6% of its population being Australian citizens, 95.8% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coonamble, making up 75.8% of the population, compared to 67.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), Australian Aboriginal (26.3%), and English (22.7%).

Notably, Lebanese ethnicity was overrepresented in Coonamble at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0%.

Coonamble's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Coonamble is 37 years, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 make up 9.0%, while those aged 45-54 comprise 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.5% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 85+ age group will increase by 19 people (27%), growing from 69 to 89. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for all total population growth, reflecting Coonamble's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 75-84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.