Harrington

Harrington lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Harrington statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,446. This figure represents an increase of 65 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,381. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,236 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 104 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Harrington demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of Australia's regional areas. The Harrington (SA2) area is expected to increase by 935 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 29.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Harrington among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Harrington shows approximately 26 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 133 dwellings. In FY-26 to date, four approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has contributed about 2.2 new residents per year since FY-21, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these homes is approximately $417,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen around $256,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Harrington exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 48.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

The new development consists primarily of detached houses at 93.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 7.0%. Harrington maintains its low density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 79 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Harrington is projected to grow by approximately 1,023 residents through to 2041. Construction activity is maintaining a reasonable pace with this projected growth, although increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers for available properties.

Harrington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely impacting the area: Harrington Waters Estate, Manor Road Retirement Living Development, Big4 Colonial Holiday Park & Leisure Village Rezoning, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following details those most relevant.

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Harrington shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Harrington's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. Its unemployment rate, as of September 2025, is 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In this month, 1,030 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Harrington lags significantly at 29.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, accommodation & food has a strong representation with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.6%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the comparison between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is expected 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 Harrington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Harrington's median income among taxpayers is $36,343, with an average of $44,678. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Harrington would be approximately $39,563 (median) and $48,636 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Harrington all fall within the 1st to 2nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.1% of the community earns between $400 and $799 (1,244 individuals), unlike the broader area where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Economic circumstances show widespread financial pressure, with 45.5% of households operating on modest weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs, with 87.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Harrington's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrington was 66.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.7% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Harrington's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 67.8% of all households, including 10.9% couples with children, 47.8% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (33.8%).

Formal education enrollment stands at 14.8%, including 5.7% in primary education, 4.0% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Harrington has 61 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 72 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 123 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Harrington is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Harrington faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Only approximately 45% (~1,540 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 16.8% of residents) and mental health issues (8.5%). Conversely, 48.1% report having no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of NSW's 57.7%. Harrington has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 49.8% (1,716 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 30.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Harrington are comparable to those of the general population.

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

Harrington's population showed low diversity, with 89.2% born in Australia, 93.8% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 65.1%, compared to 57.6% across Rest of NSW. Main ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.4%).

Scottish ancestry was higher in Harrington at 8.9% versus 8.1% regionally, Maltese at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Spanish at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Harrington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Harrington is 64 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 65-74 at 29.4%, compared to a smaller group aged 5-14 at 4.8%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.7% to 16.7%. By 2041, Harrington's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 230 residents to reach 782. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting Harrington's aging demographic profile.