Crookwell

An assessment of population growth drivers in Crookwell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Crookwell statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,932 people. This figure reflects an increase of 246 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,686. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,719 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 14.1 persons per square kilometer. The Crookwell (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 9.2% from 2021 to November 2025, outperforming both its SA4 region (5.1%) and non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Crookwell area.

AreaSearch's projections for the Crookwell statistical area are based on 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. These projections indicate an above median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the Crookwell (SA2) expected to expand by 626 persons to reach approximately 3,558 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.8% over the 17-year period from 2021 to 2041.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Crookwell when compared nationally

Crookwell has recorded approximately 16 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 84 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 attracted 2.5 new residents per year, indicating robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $566,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $469,000 in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating Crookwell's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Crookwell shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 80th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings at 95.0%, with attached dwellings making up the remaining 5.0%. This preserves the area's low-density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers, with around 139 people per approval. Future projections indicate Crookwell adding approximately 491 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region: Crookwell II Wind Farm (started Feb 2018, completion Aug 2020), Limerick Wind Farm (commenced Apr 2019, finished Dec 2021), Crookwell 3 Wind Farm (initiated Jun 2020, ongoing), and HumeLink East (begun Jan 2017, completion Mar 2022). These are the most relevant projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, Crookwell has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Crookwell has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, and the unemployment rate is 2.8%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,254 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Crookwell lags at 50.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 4.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 7.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.2% alongside a 5.5% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data 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 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Crookwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Crookwell had a median taxpayer income of $43,162 and an average income of $54,181. This is below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $46,986 (median) and $58,981 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Crookwell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.5% of residents (864 people) earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Crookwell, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 94.3% houses and 5.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings in the same period. Home ownership in Crookwell stood at 56.3%, with mortgaged properties at 26.6% and rented dwellings at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,356, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,694. Median weekly rent in Crookwell was recorded at $280, compared to $310 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Crookwell's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,356 is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent of $280 is substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.8% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households making up 0.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the average of 2.4 in the Rest of NSW.

Educational outcomes in Crookwell fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.7%). A notable 24.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Crookwell's public transport analysis shows 90 active stops operating within the area, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 276 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

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

Crookwell faces significant health challenges with various conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~1,419 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 50.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.7%) and asthma (8.5%).

Around 56.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 61.3% in Rest of NSW. Crookwell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.3% (888 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 21.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Crookwell's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 91.1% being Australian citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 72.4%, compared to 64.0% across Rest of NSW. The top ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (32.7%), and Irish (12.0%).

Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Scottish (8.1%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 7.8%, respectively.

Crookwell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Crookwell is 52 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Crookwell at 16.3%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between January 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Crookwell's population. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 82%, adding 124 residents to reach a total of 277. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 50% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is expected to decrease by 9 residents.