Denman

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Denman is around 1,861, reflecting an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,821. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,789 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 16.0 persons per square kilometer. Denman's growth rate of 2.2% since the census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.0%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 50.0% 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 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 for areas not covered by this data.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Denman is expected to increase its population by 276 persons to reach a total of 2,137 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 11.0% 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 had five dwelling approvals over the years 2016 to 2020 inclusive, averaging one approval annually. This low level of residential development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and construction activity limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics for Denman.

Compared to the Rest of NSW and national patterns, Denman has significantly less construction activity. By 2041, Denman is projected to gain 204 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

At current development rates, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases for dwellings.

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 to impact the area. Key projects are 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. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Denman well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Denman's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%. Employment has been stable over the past year.

As of December 2025939 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 63.6%. Only 8.5% of residents work from home. Key industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Mining is particularly specialized, with an employment share 9.0 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 8.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment remained stable while labour force decreased by 0.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment projected to increase by 4.9% and 11.3% respectively based on Denman's current industry mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Denman had an income level lower than the national average in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers was $47,150 and the average income stood at $60,890. This compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,327 (median) and $66,285 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Denman, 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, 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Denman's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Denman stood at 36.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,650, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Denman was $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Denman's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,650 versus 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 Regional 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 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

Public transport analysis shows 68 active transport stops operating within Denman. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 11 individual routes that provide 398 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 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 indicates significant challenges for Denman, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~949 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.6 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health presents notable challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (424 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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% of its population being citizens, 93.4% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Denman is Christianity, comprising 70.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (36.3%), English (33.0%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher in Denman at 5.5%, compared to 4.6% regionally. Maltese representation is also higher at 0.7%, versus 0.4% regionally, as is New Zealand representation at 0.7%, compared to 0.4%.

Denman hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Denman has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 comprise 14.9% of Denman's population, while those aged 65-74 make up 10.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 13.7% to 14.9%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 7.0% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Denman's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 87%, reaching 146 people from its current figure of 78. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.