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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Grenfell is around 2,599, reflecting a decrease of 1 person since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,600. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,552 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 3.0 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Grenfell has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of -0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 39 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 85 and over age group which is projected to grow by 53 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Grenfell has received around 5 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 25 homes were approved, with none yet in FY26. Despite population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $540,000, indicating focus on the premium market. Commercial approvals this year totalled $520,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Grenfell has about 69% of building activity per person and ranks in the 21st percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing dwellings. Recent developments have been entirely detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 742 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a single project that is expected to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Inland Rail from Stockinbingal to Parkes, Inland Rail from Illabo to Stockinbingal, Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, and the NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW). The following list outlines those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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.

While Grenfell retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Grenfell has a mixed workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs, with varied industry representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.6%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In this month, 1,161 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Grenfell is at 54.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses reveal that 15.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment industries among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Grenfell has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 12.6% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.8% and employment declined by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Grenfell's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

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 averages. Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Grenfell's median income would be approximately $45,732 by September 2025, with the average estimated at $54,795. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Grenfell fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort in Grenfell is 29.7% of locals (771 people) earning $400 - $799 weekly, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates 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 allowing 89.2% of income to be 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. Compared to Regional NSW, which had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings, Grenfell had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Grenfell stood at 52.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Grenfell was $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Grenfell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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, with 8.5% in secondary, 8.2% in primary, and 2.5% in 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 stops are served by 16 routes, collectively providing 148 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 160 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 88%, with 10% walking. 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 per day 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% of Grenfell's total population (~1,219 people) having it, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.2% of residents) and asthma (9.0%), while 57.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Grenfell has a higher proportion of seniors, with 33.7% of residents aged 65 and over (875 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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's cultural diversity was below average, with 91.8% citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Grenfell, comprising 70.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. Top ancestry groups were English (36.0%, higher than regional average of 30.5%), Australian (34.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 3.2% in Grenfell versus the regional 4.6%. Scottish representation was 7.4% compared to 8.0%, while New Zealand stood at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.4%.

Grenfell ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Grenfell is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.4% locally, while the 35 - 44 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. This concentration of the 75 - 84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 9.9% to 8.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 17.4% to 16.2%. By the year 2041, Grenfell is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 61 people (46%) from 132 to 194. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 35 to 44 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.