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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Harden is $410k. House values have moved 7.6% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Harden has an estimated 1,960 residents, up from 1,900 at the 2021 Census — a change of 60 people, or 3.2%. That puts 138 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS regional demographic updates and post-Census address validations conducted by AreaSearch, the suburb of Harden has an estimated population of approximately 1,960 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an expansion of 60 people (3.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 1,900 people. This adjustment is based on an estimated resident population of 1,959 determined by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP figures alongside 14 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. The suburb of Harden registers a population density of 137 persons per square kilometer, offering generous space per resident and capacity for upcoming growth.
Surpassing the wider SA3 area (2.5%), the suburb of Harden recorded a 3.2% rise following the 2021 census, positioning it as a regional growth frontrunner. Net overseas migration served as the primary contributor to demographic expansion, accounting for roughly 51.0% of total recent gains. Demographic modelling from AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections pegged to a 2022 baseline for local SA2 zones. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, NSW State Government 2022 releases anchored to 2021 serve as the source. Cohort-specific growth rates derived from these datasets are projected forward across 2032 to 2041. Factoring in these structural shifts, regional growth exceeding non-metropolitan benchmarks is anticipated, with the suburb of Harden projected to add 233 persons by 2041 via aggregated SA2 forecasts, representing a cumulative increase of 11.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in the area remain subdued, averaging 1 dwelling approvals per year, or 5 dwellings across the entire five-year span. Such minimal building activity aligns with the district's rural setting, where construction is generally initiated by specific local housing requirements instead of wider market dynamics. Because the overall volume is low, solitary building ventures can cause marked shifts in annual totals and proportional comparisons. Construction activity in the locality falls noticeably short of Rest of NSW figures, while also tracking behind benchmarks seen nationally. Furthermore, all recent building works have focused solely on single detached residences tailored to families desiring spacious country living.
The presence of 649 people per residential approval underscores a tranquil, low-volume planning landscape. Long-term projections suggest the addition of 232 residents up to 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release. Should the prevailing pace of construction persist, housing delivery could lag behind incoming demand, potentially intensifying buyer competition and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Harden
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Harden, worth an estimated $5 million. A further 73 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $17.6 billion. 26 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, environmental & disaster management and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major planning initiatives and physical infrastructure updates serve as essential drivers of regional change. AreaSearch has highlighted 1 key project positioned to influence the district. Leading infrastructure works include the Harden Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Coppabella Wind Farm, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, and the Harden to Boorowa Pipeline, which are outlined in detail below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Harden Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade
Remediation and upgrade of the Harden sewage treatment plant to restore and improve performance following storm and flood impacts. Works included rehabilitation and realignment of treatment ponds, construction of spillways, and upgrades to recycled water rising mains. Council indicated works commencing December 2024 with completion targeted for April 2025; project is now treated as complete.
Apollo Fabrication Group Expansion
Apollo Fabrication Group is undertaking a staged expansion of its structural steel manufacturing operations in Young. Stage one involves the construction of a fully enclosed 4,000 square metre loading and storage facility designed to streamline distribution logistics, expand fabrication throughput, and minimise dust and acoustic impacts on the surrounding precinct.
Hill Street Subdivision Young
New land development by Mellross Communities off Hills Street, Young. Titled and ready for construction with fully serviced lots including Colorbond fencing and building pads. Located in prime position surrounded by upmarket lifestyle properties with natural fall and tranquil backdrop.
Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication
Duplication of existing bridge along Henry Lawson Way in Young to improve connectivity for surrounding towns, increase load limits and safety, and extend bridge lifespan. Project includes traffic management and approach road improvements during construction phase.
Thornhill Street Pavement Upgrades
The project involves reconstructing the pavement on Thornhill Street due to failures, deformation, and end of useful life. Works include in situ chemical stabilisation, trimming, sealing, asphalting, and stormwater upgrades. Stage 2 is underway south of Spring Street, with temporary road closures for safety.
Young Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade
Replacement of the existing sewage treatment plant with a modern 12,000 EP facility to enhance treatment processes and enable reuse of treated water for irrigation of public parks and fields, reducing reliance on potable water.
Young High School and New Joint Use Library and Community Facility Upgrade
The project delivered a new 2.5-storey joint use library and community facility integrated with Young High School and Carrington Park. Key features include new learning spaces, reading and study areas, technology facilities, children's activity area, youth wellbeing hub, arts floor with gallery, coffee bar, Wiradjuri learning centre, staff hub, canteen, student toilets, and landscaping.
Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades
Hilltops Council is undertaking comprehensive stormwater drainage and flood mitigation infrastructure upgrades across the Young township. The scope includes hydraulic capacity improvements, drainage network renewal, and water quality treatment measures to reduce local overland flooding and enhance environmental outcomes along Burrangong Creek.
785 residents of Harden are employed, from a labour force of 814. Unemployment sits at 3.6%, with participation at 49.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,568, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market exhibits an even distribution between professional and trades-based occupations, with strong representation across public and community services and a low jobless rate of 3.6%, according to aggregated district figures from AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed locals numbered 785, with local joblessness tracking 0.5% beneath the 4.1% recorded in Regional NSW, though the workforce participation rate of 49.6% trails the 60.6% seen across Regional NSW. Census figures indicated that 6.8% of employed persons worked remotely, a figure potentially shaped by pandemic lockdown directives. Workforce concentration is greatest across public administration & safety, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance.
The transport, postal & warehousing sector demonstrates substantial local specialization, capturing a workforce proportion 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing employs only 3.0% of the local workforce compared to 5.8% in Regional NSW. Comparing local job numbers against the resident pool suggests a limited supply of employment within the immediate locality. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS and SALM metrics over the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 2.3% alongside a 1.8% drop in filled roles, which lowered the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded a 0.9% decline in employment and a 0.4% reduction in the workforce, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in joblessness. Future industry demand can be evaluated using national outlook data published by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26. These five and ten-year forecasts, when applied across the local industry profile, illustrate possible employment paths. While overall Australian employment is anticipated to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trajectories differ by sector. Factoring these industry rates into the local job composition indicates employment growth of 5.9% across five years and 12.7% across ten years (representing an illustrative weighting calculation without local demographic adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Harden is $973 a week (about $51,000 a year), with median personal income at $550 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,472 a year against an average of $48,071. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate local earnings sit below national benchmarks, recording a median income of $39,472 and an average income of $48,071. These levels compare with Regional NSW benchmarks of a $52,390 median and a $65,215 average. Factoring in an Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% following financial year 2023, updated estimates reach $43,546 for the median and $53,032 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places family, household, and individual earnings between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally.
The largest individual cohort accounts for 32.0% of residents (627 residents) making between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with broader regional trends where 29.9% make $1,500 - 2,999. With 42.0% of earners taking home under $800 weekly, significant financial constraints exist within the community. Even though accommodation outlays remain contained with 89.1% of earnings retained, overall disposable funds rank in the 6th percentile across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Harden had 814 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 2% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $910 a month. Rent absorbs 22.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing stock is heavily oriented toward standalone houses, which constitute 93.6% of residences compared to 6.4% in other categories (comprising semi-detached houses, flats, and alternative dwellings), relative to Regional NSW ratios of 82.6% houses and 17.4% for other dwellings. Outright ownership stands at a high 50.2%, substantially exceeding regional norms, while mortgaged properties account for 31.4% and rental accommodation represents 18.4%. Monthly median mortgage payments of $910 sit well below the Regional NSW figure of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $220 is lower than the $330 recorded regionally.
On a countrywide basis, local mortgage payments are far lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with weekly rental rates also tracking substantially underneath the national mark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Harden counted 814 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 90% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of domestic arrangements at 61.4%, consisting of couples with children at 18.4%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single parent families at 11.1%. Non-family setups make up the remaining 38.6%, dominated by lone person households at 36.2% alongside group households at 2.5%. The average household size sits at 2.1 people, which is smaller than the 2.4 observed across Regional NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.4% of adults in Harden hold a university qualification, including 8.8% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 92% of areas nationally. A further 29.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 385 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 946 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education present an area for potential growth, as the proportion of university qualification holders stands at 11.4%, trailing the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. Among degree holders, Bachelor degrees form the primary category at 8.8%, accompanied by postgraduate qualifications at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational education is widespread throughout the community, with 38.2% of individuals aged 15+ possessing technical or vocational credentials, divided into advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.0%). Formal study engages 24.1% of local inhabitants. Broken down by sector, primary education accounts for 10.8%, secondary education represents 6.1%, and tertiary education comprises 1.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Harden reaches 18 stops on 20 routes, timetabled for about 660 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Trains carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit networks feature 18 active transport stops encompassing a combination of train and buses. A network of 20 individual routes services these facilities, generating 661 weekly passenger trips. Stop proximity is favorable, with residents generally situated 249 meters from their closest boarding point. Commuters predominantly travel outside the area for employment, with 89% using private vehicles and 10% walking. Private vehicle availability averages 1.3 per dwelling, trailing regional benchmarks, while 6.8% of workers carried out their duties from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Transit schedules provide an average of 94 trips per day across the entire route network, representing roughly 36 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
58.0% of residents in Harden report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 7.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch regarding mortality and long-term illnesses show considerable community challenges, with common medical issues evident across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance participation is low, encompassing roughly 46% of the population (~901 people). In contrast, private health coverage reaches 51.9% throughout Regional NSW and 55.7% across Australia. Arthritis and asthma represent the most frequently reported diagnoses in the locality, affecting 13.0 and 10.4% of residents, while 58.0% of individuals reported no chronic health issues, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic ailments are notably elevated among residents of working age.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over make up 33.6% of the community (658 people), exceeding the Regional NSW proportion of 23.3%, with elderly health indices presenting challenges that track higher against nationwide figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Harden is largely Australian-born, at 91.5% of residents, with 3.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.6%) and Australian (33.3%). 6.0% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural metrics show a largely homogeneous demographic profile, where 91.5% of inhabitants hold citizenship, 91.5% were born in Australia, and 96.5% speak exclusively English at home. Christianity forms the predominant faith, claimed by 72.2% of the local population, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW. Regarding reported parental birthplaces, English ancestry represents 33.6%, Australian ancestry comprises 33.3%, and Irish ancestry accounts for 9.6%. Discrepancies also emerge across other heritage groups: Australian Aboriginal representation is higher locally at 6.0% compared to 4.6% regionally, Polish ancestry stands at 0.7% (vs 0.5%), and Serbian ancestry accounts for 0.4% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Harden is 52, older than 94% of areas nationally. 17.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local age profile leans noticeably older, with seniors and retirees (65+) comprising 33.6% of all inhabitants as at August 2026, compared to 23.3% throughout Regional NSW, while adults in the 25 - 44 band represent 18.3% versus 23.5% regionally. The estimated median age of 52 matches the figure from the 2021 Census, exceeding the Regional NSW benchmark of 43 from that Census by 9 years, while the Australian median was 38. The most prominent demographic adjustment since the Census is within the 45 - 64 bracket, which decreased from 24.9% to an estimated 22.8%.
By 2041, senior demographics are anticipated to absorb the bulk of local population gains, increasing by 124 residents (19%) to a total of 783.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Harden
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 14 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,900 at the 2021 Census → 1,960 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11858). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.