Gilgandra

Gilgandra has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Gilgandra statistical area is around 2,962 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2,983 people reported in the 2021 Census, marking a drop of 21 individuals (0.7%). AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as of June 2024 was 2,951, with an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this total. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 4.6 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth accounted for roughly 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Gilgandra (SA2) population is expected to decline by 292 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 23 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Gilgandra is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gilgandra has experienced very limited development activity, averaging less than one approval per year over five years (one approval in total). This low level of development is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relative statistics.

Gilgandra has substantially lower development levels compared to the Rest of NSW, with its development pattern also well below national averages. Given the expected stable or declining population, Gilgandra is likely to face reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Gilgandra should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact the region. Key projects are Aero Park Residential Estate, Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, Gilgandra Solar Farm, and Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri. 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.

Employment performance in Gilgandra has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Gilgandra's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 4.4%, higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

There were 1,199 residents employed, but workforce participation lagged at 49.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, with a specialization in the latter sector. Manufacturing employs only 2.1% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data.

Between September 2024 and 2025, Gilgandra's labour force decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 4.6%, causing unemployment to rise slightly. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a smaller decline in employment and a larger increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Gilgandra's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Gilgandra's median income among taxpayers is $42,308. The average income in the suburb is $48,099. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW has 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 for Gilgandra's median income would be approximately $46,056 as of September 2025, with the average estimated to be around $52,361 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Gilgandra fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Gilgandra spans 29.8% of locals (882 people) with incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest in Gilgandra, with 88.4% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

In Gilgandra, as per the latest Census, 91.6% of dwellings were houses while 8.4% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro NSW's figures of 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilgandra stood at 42.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 26.1% and rented ones making up 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,062, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,450. Weekly rent in Gilgandra was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Gilgandra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 19.0% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.6% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 0.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 0.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gilgandra has 95 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes that collectively facilitate 130 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 216 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Gilgandra faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Gilgandra is approximately 46%, covering around 1,363 people, compared to 50.1% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Gilgandra, affecting 12.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 59.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.0%, or 799 people, compared to 19.5% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Gilgandra are better than those for the general population.

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

Gilgandra was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 95.9% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Gilgandra is Christianity, comprising 69.1% of the population, compared to 65.6% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (33.9%), English (30.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (13.1%).

Notably, Maori (0.4%) and Lebanese (0.2%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Gilgandra compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

Gilgandra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Gilgandra's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 14.4% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 8.9%, compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 5.1% to 6.2% of Gilgandra's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort has declined from 10.6% to 8.9%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, Gilgandra's age composition is expected to see notable shifts. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 12 people, reaching 302 from 269. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.