Cootamundra

Cootamundra is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cootamundra is around 6,952, reflecting a 1.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,885 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's validated new addresses and ABS ERP data release in June 2024. The population density ratio is 7.8 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by ABS data.

By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 279 persons, reflecting a total increase of 3.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Cootamundra recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. In FY-26 so far, seven approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of only 0.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. New construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and potentially enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $423,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $7.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Rest of NSW, where Cootamundra shows substantially reduced construction (57.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, with activity under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1059 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Cootamundra will gain 216 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Cootamundra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to influence the region: The Wired Lab - The Church (Muttama Cultural Tourism Project), and Inland Rail from Illabo to Stockinbingal. Other notable initiatives include Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development.

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

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Cootamundra has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Cootamundra has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there were 2,647 residents employed in Cootamundra, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.3% lower than Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation was at 47.3%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.5% of residents worked from home.

Employment in Cootamundra is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing sectors. The area has a significant employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share that is 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food services employed only 5.2% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 7.8%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 4.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Cootamundra's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Cootamundra had a median taxpayer income of $46,248 and an average income of $59,418. These figures are below national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. With an 8.86% increase based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Cootamundra as of September 2025 is approximately $50,346 and average income is $64,682. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Cootamundra fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.8% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 is dominant at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest with 88.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

In Cootamundra, as per the latest Census, 91.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's breakdown of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cootamundra stood at 50.0%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 25.6% and rented dwellings making up 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,149, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Cootamundra was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Cootamundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.8% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.8% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cootamundra has 222 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 35 routes, collectively providing 875 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 152 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at 91%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 125 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Cootamundra faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Only approximately 50% (~3,507 people) of Cootamundra's total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 56.2% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Cootamundra has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.4%, or 2,321 people) than the Rest of NSW (23.4%). While senior health outcomes are challenging, they align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Cootamundra, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens with English spoken at home: 91.7%, 92.5%, and 97.3% respectively. Christianity was the dominant religion in Cootamundra, accounting for 69.5% compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (32.9%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.1% in Cootamundra compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Samoan representation remained similar at 0.1%, while German representation was slightly higher at 3.2% versus 3.1% regionally.

Cootamundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cootamundra's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43, and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Cootamundra, making up 12.2% of the local population compared to the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 15-24 age group grew from 9.3% to 10.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.7% to 13.4% and the 35-44 group dropped from 8.9% to 7.7%. By 2041, Cootamundra is expected to see notable demographic shifts, with the 85+ age group projected to grow by 44%, reaching 481 people from 333. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.