Crookwell

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Crookwell is estimated at around 2931 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 245 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2686 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2719 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 14.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person for Crookwell's residents. The suburb's 9.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with Crookwell expected to grow by 603 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Crookwell experienced around 16 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 83 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 gained new residents at a rate of 2.5 per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $566,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $469,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. Measured against Rest of NSW, Crookwell shows 12.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 79th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 143 people per dwelling approval, Crookwell exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Crookwell to grow by 391 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Crookwell 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 three major projects that could impact this region. Key projects are Crookwell II Wind Farm, Limerick Wind Farm, Crookwell 3 Wind Farm, and HumeLink East. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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Employment performance in Crookwell has been broadly consistent with national averages

Crookwell has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. There are 1,253 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Crookwell is at 55.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses show that only 9.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Crookwell has a particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence, with only 4.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, and employment declined by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% fall in employment, a 0.8% contraction in labour force, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Crookwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Crookwell is below the national average. The median income is $43,162 and the average income stands at $54,181. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,986 (median) and $58,981 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Crookwell all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 29.5% of locals (864 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. While housing costs are modest, allowing for 89.1% of income to be retained, the 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

Crookwell's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.6% other dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crookwell stood at 56.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented ones at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,356, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Crookwell was $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Crookwell's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,356 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households making up 0.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.7%). A total of 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 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 has 90 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by 13 individual routes offering 276 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 91%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

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

Crookwell faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,418 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.7%) and asthma (8.5%), while 56.8% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Crookwell has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (893 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below the national average. Its population comprised 91.1% citizens, with 93.1% born in Australia and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 72.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (32.7%), and Irish (12.0%). Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Maltese (0.5%) were overrepresented in Crookwell compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Scottish ancestry was also slightly higher at 8.1%.

Crookwell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Crookwell is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and also above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Crookwell at 16%, compared to the regional average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 has increased from 8.6% to 9.5%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 14.8% to 13.8%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Crookwell. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 59%, adding 96 residents to reach a total of 261. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of the population growth, highlighting aging trends in the demographics. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decrease by 11 residents.