Gunnedah

Population growth drivers in Gunnedah are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking 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 Gunnedah's population is estimated at around 10,788 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 429 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,359 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,713, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 20 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Gunnedah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 55% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,404 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Gunnedah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Gunnedah has experienced approximately 42 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 212 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth associated with these developments between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.6 people per dwelling. However, this figure has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity in the area which may indicate potential supply constraints. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $576,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $22.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Gunnedah has 14.0% less new development per person, placing it among the 28th percentile nationally, which may limit buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. The composition of new developments consists of 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 578 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gunnedah is expected to grow by 1,329 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that are likely to impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure performance. Notable projects include Eucalypt Lifestyle and Retail Precinct, Whitehaven Coal Mornington Estate Development, Cohens Bridge Rehabilitation, and Gunnedah Sports Precinct Master Plans. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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Gunnedah ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Gunnedah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.1%. As of December 2025, 5893 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 71.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.

Census data shows 8.5% work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in mining (6.6 times regional average), health care & social assistance (11.6%), and education & training. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between Dec-24 and Nov-25, labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment fell by 1.0%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.2%.

Regional NSW saw similar trends but with slightly higher changes. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years (May-25) and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Gunnedah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Gunnedah has a median taxpayer income of $53,456 and an average income of $68,687 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $58,192 (median) and $74,773 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Gunnedah rank modestly, between the 39th and 46th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,344 residents), which is similar to patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Gunnedah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gunnedah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunnedah stood at 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Gunnedah was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Gunnedah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gunnedah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households are the majority at 67.4% of all households, consisting of 28.2% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is high, with 32.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.6% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gunnedah has 275 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 38 individual routes, collectively providing 775 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 217 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to the residential nature of the area, with cars being the dominant mode at 91%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 110 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Gunnedah faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~5,835 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.1%) and arthritis (9.0%). Around 65.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. About 19.0% (~2,049 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely in line with national rankings.

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

Gunnedah, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population comprised 88.7% citizens, with 93.8% born in Australia and 95.9% speaking English at home only. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 62.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (28.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.7%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Notably, South Australian ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 0.3%, Irish at 8.0% compared to Regional NSW's 8.8%, and Korean at 0.1%, similar to the regional figure of 0.1%.

Gunnedah's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gunnedah is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation at 14.7% compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.2% of the population, whereas the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gunnedah. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 334 people and reaching a total of 1,424 from 1,089. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is expected to decline by 52 people.