Cowra

Cowra 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 Nov 2025, the Cowra statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 10,089, reflecting a decrease of 56 people since the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 0.6% change from the previous population count of 10,145. The current resident population estimate is 10,045, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11.4 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Cowra has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of -0.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during this period.

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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Considering these projections, the Cowra (SA2) is expected to experience population growth just below the median of Australia's regional areas, expanding by 926 persons to reach an estimated total population of 10,875 by 2041. This projected increase reflects an 8.5% change over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Cowra, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Cowra has seen approximately 31 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years ending June 2021, an estimated total of 155 homes have been approved. As of April 2026, 10 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $506,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cowra shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, recent construction activity has eased slightly.

Nationally, Cowra's construction activity level is lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 409 people, reflecting Cowra's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate an addition of 856 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Chardonnay Hills Estate, Yarrabilly Estate, Bonsai Gardens Estate, and Willow Acres Estate. 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 Cowra lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Cowra has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 4,717 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 4.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cowra is 52.1%, lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notably high concentration with levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ only 2.6% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 5.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicated by Census working population to local population count. In the year ending September 2025, Cowra saw labour force decrease by 3.6%, employment decline by 4.7%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. 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. Statewide, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cowra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Cowra's median income is $45,757 and average income is $53,932. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, considering an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,811 (median) and $58,710 (average). The 2021 Census indicates Cowra's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Cowra is dominated by the $400 - 799 bracket, with 28.0% of residents (2,824 people). Housing costs are modest, with 86.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Cowra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cowra was recorded at 43.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (27.2%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,235, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,200. The median weekly rent figure stood at $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Cowra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cowra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.3% of all households, consisting of 22.0% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 27.0% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.4% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cowra has 407 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that collectively facilitate 650 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 178 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 92 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one trip per week for each individual stop.

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

Cowra faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 4,875 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.6%). About 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 62.4%. Cowra has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 25.3% (around 2,552 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.8%.

Cowra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cowra's cultural diversity is below average, with 90.9% citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates Cowra, comprising 69.4%, compared to 70.4% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.1%), English (31.6%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher in Cowra at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 7.9%. Maltese and Hungarian representations are also higher than regional averages: Maltese at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Hungarian at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

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

Cowra has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group represents 8.8% of Cowra's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.1%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 11.3%. By 2041, Cowra's age composition is expected to see notable shifts. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 19%, reaching 1,380 people from the current 1,160. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.