Grenfell

Grenfell is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Grenfell as of May 2026 is around 2,545 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,600 people, indicating a change of -55 people (-2.1%). The latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2025) and additional validated addresses since the Census date contributed to this estimate. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade ending in May 2026, Grenfell has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 86% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on 2022 data, for covered SA2 areas. For other SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using 2021 base year data are applied. Growth rates by age group are projected to be applicable until 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Grenfell's population is expected to decrease by approximately 37 people by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of around 59 people in this group.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Grenfell has experienced approximately five dwellings receiving development approval each year. Around 25 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with one additional approval in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $540,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Commercial approvals have reached $520,000 this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Grenfell records about 68% of building activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Grenfell's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 732 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. With population projections showing stability or decline, Grenfell should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Grenfell has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the region: Inland Rail - Stockinbingal to Parkes. Other notable projects include Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal, Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, and NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW).

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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While Grenfell retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Grenfell has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. There are 1,169 residents in work, but workforce participation lags at 54.3% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

A moderate 15.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.6%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 2.6% and employment declined by 3.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Grenfell's employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Grenfell's employment mix.

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 Grenfell's median income among taxpayers is $42,010. The average income in the suburb is $50,335. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Grenfell's median income are approximately $46,345 as of March 2026, with the average estimated at $55,530 by that date. Census 2021 data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Grenfell all fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.7% of locals (755 people) have incomes in the $400 - $799 category, unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 40.4% earning below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures for many residents. Despite modest housing costs, with 89.2% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Grenfell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Grenfell was 52.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Grenfell was $1,083, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $200 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Grenfell's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,083 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.2% of all households, including 18.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 38.8%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (30.5%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.5% in secondary, 8.2% in primary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.5% in secondary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Grenfell has 184 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 16 routes providing 148 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward using cars (88%), while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 21 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Grenfell faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,193 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and asthma (9.0%). 57.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Grenfell has 34.5% of residents aged 65 and over (878 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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

Grenfell had low cultural diversity, with 91.8% citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 70.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (36.0%, regional average: 30.5%), Australian (34.4%) and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 3.2% (regional: 4.6%), Scottish at 7.4% (regional: 8.0%), and New Zealanders at 0.5% (regional: 0.4%).

Grenfell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Grenfell is 54 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.6% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.9%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.7%. By 2041, Grenfell's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 61 people (47%) from 132 to 194. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting Grenfell's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, both the 35 to 44 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.