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 Crookwell is around 2,657 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 2,686 people, a change of 29 individuals (1.1%). AreaSearch validated this estimate using the resident population of 2,475 inferred from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 104 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 12.8 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Crookwell has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 580 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Crookwell recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Crookwell recorded around 11 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 58 homes. So far in FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built annually during this period. This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $566,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, $879,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Crookwell exhibits approximately 62% of construction activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 39th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. Recent development has comprised entirely standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count is 428 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Crookwell will gain 720 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Crookwell II Wind Farm, Limerick Wind Farm, Crookwell 3 Wind Farm, and HumeLink East. Details about these projects are listed below for further consideration.

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The employment landscape in Crookwell presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Crookwell has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 2.9%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation lagged at 50.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. The area had a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services were under-represented at 4.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 7.8%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population figures. From June 2021 to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.6%, and employment declined by 4.4% in Crookwell, resulting in a rise of 0.9 percentage points in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment 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 approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Crookwell had a median income among taxpayers of $43,162 with an average level of $54,181. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $49,459 and $62,998 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,605 (median) and $61,013 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Crookwell all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (783 people), mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 89.1% of income 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

In Crookwell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.6% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crookwell stood at 56.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 26.6% and rented dwellings making up 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,356, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,694. The median weekly rent in Crookwell was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $310. Nationally, Crookwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households comprising 0.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.7%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 30.7%.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 8.2% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education. Crookwell's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 553 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 974) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, the area has 20.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Crookwell has 86 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together offer 165 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 173 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, which works out to approximately one weekly trip per individual 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 affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~1,286 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 51.2% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 14.7% and 8.5% respectively.

However, 56.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 61.3% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.1% (799 people), compared to 21.7% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than 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's population, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly culturally homogeneous. 91.1% were Australian citizens, with 93.1% born in Australia and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 72.4%, compared to 64.0% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (32.7%), and Irish (12.0%). Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Scottish (8.1%) ancestry was slightly higher than the regional averages of 0.5% and 7.8%, respectively, while Maltese ancestry remained at 0.5%.

Crookwell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Crookwell is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Crookwell at 16.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 10.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.0% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for Crookwell in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 94%, adding 129 residents to reach 268. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group grows by a modest 5%, with an increase of 15 people.