Denman

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, Denman's population as of Nov 2025 is estimated at around 1,859. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,821 people, a change inferred from resident population estimates by AreaSearch following ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. The current density ratio is 15.9 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Denman has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers 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 used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic trends indicate above median population growth in regional areas, with Denman expected to increase by 296 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Denman according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Denman has had minimal residential development activity with 1 dwelling approval annually on average over the five years from January 2016 to December 2020, totalling 5 approvals. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Denman has shown significantly less construction activity than the Rest of NSW during this period, with activity levels also below national patterns. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Denman is expected to grow by 323 residents from January 2021 to December 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Denman has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the area. Major projects include West Denman Urban Release Area, Denman Park Estate, Denman Renewable Energy Park, and Denman to Sandy Hollow Pipeline along with Denman Water Treatment Plant upgrade.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Denman ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Denman's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025929 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 58.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for Denman residents include mining, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Mining is particularly specialized, with an employment share nine times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 8.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than expected based on population. Between September 2024 and 2025, Denman's labour force decreased by 2.6%, with employment declining by 2.3% and unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, while the state's unemployment rate is 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Denman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Denman's median income among taxpayers was $47,150 in the financial year 2023. The average income stood at $60,890 during this period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Denman is approximately $51,327 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at $66,285 during the same period. According to Census 2021 data, household, family and personal incomes in Denman rank modestly, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 25.9% of locals (481 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Denman consisted of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Denman was at 36.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented dwellings at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,650, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280. Nationally, Denman's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 27.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 0.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (35.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 66 active stops operating in Denman, offering mixed bus services. These are covered by 11 routes, collectively providing 398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically 130 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant issues in Denman. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering around 948 people, compared to 58.5% in the rest of NSW. The most common conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.6%) and asthma (9%). Around 60.8% report no medical ailments, lower than the 65.4% in the rest of NSW. Denman has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.4%, or 416 people, compared to 18.9% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally mirroring the overall population's health profile.

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

Denman's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 92.5% citizens, 93.4% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 70.2%, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups were Australian (36.3%), English (33.0%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5% (vs regional 6.6%), Maltese at 0.7% (vs 0.2%), and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Denman hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Denman has a median age of 43, which is equal to that of Rest of NSW and higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 are prominent, making up 14.3% of the population, while those aged 65-74 constitute a smaller proportion at 10.3%, compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 15-24 has grown from 11.0% to 12.1% of Denman's population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Denman's age structure. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 99 people, reaching 148 from its current figure of 74. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups.