Gundagai

Gundagai 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Gundagai's population is estimated at around 1,736 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 37 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,699 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,734, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2025 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Gundagai's 2.2% growth since census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.0% 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. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Gundagai's population expected to decline by 106 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 21 people.

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

Gundagai has seen minimal construction activity with 3 new dwellings approved annually since 2017. This totals 15 dwellings over the past five years. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand.

It's important to note that the small sample size means individual development projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Gundagai has substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of NSW and under national averages. All new construction since 2017 has been standalone homes, maintaining the area's rural nature with emphasis on space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1112 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population projections show stability or decline in Gundagai, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. Key projects include Sheridan Street Upgrade, Public Toilet Facility in Gundagai's Main Street, Gundagai Netball Courts Upgrades, and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Single Local Environmental Plan Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Gundagai has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gundagai has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. By December 2025769 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.5% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Gundagai was 54.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food sectors. Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share three times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance, however, has limited presence at 13.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6% and employment declined by 2.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 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 while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gundagai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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

Gundagai's median income among taxpayers was $43,396 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $56,425 during the same period. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest Gundagai's median income could reach approximately $47,874 and average income around $62,248, based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Gundagai all fall between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.4% of Gundagai's population (510 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with residents retaining 89.0% of their income after housing expenses. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Gundagai, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings during this period. Home ownership in Gundagai was recorded at 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented dwellings at 24.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gundagai was $1,211, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Gundagai was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gundagai's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 as recorded in 2016.

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

Family households account for 62.1% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 33.6% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 27.3%. Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gundagai has 64 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by 19 different routes that collectively provide 173 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Gundagai's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with 6% walking. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gundagai is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gundagai faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 855 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 10.5% of residents, and asthma, impacting 8.1%. A total of 64.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 29.0% of residents aged 65 and over (503 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Gundagai is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gundagai, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 75.4%, compared to the regional average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.4%), English (34.4%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 4.6%, while Chinese people were also higher at 2.9% versus 0.8%. Maori representation was slightly above the regional average at 0.4% compared to 0.3%.

Gundagai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Gundagai's median age is 45 years, slightly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43, and notably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Gundagai has a higher proportion of people aged 85 and above (5.5% locally), but fewer people aged 15-24 (10.2%). Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group increased from 12.7% to 14.1%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Gundagai's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 22 people (14%), from 163 to 186. Notably, all population growth will come from the combined 65+ age groups, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.