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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the estimated population of Harrington is around 3,446. This reflects an increase of 65 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,381. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,236 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 104 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Harrington has 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of regional areas nationally, with Harrington expected to expand by 939 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 29.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Harrington had around 26 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 133 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has supported an average of 2.2 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that contributes to property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $417,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $256,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Harrington exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 48.0% more approvals per person over the past five years while maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values. New developments consist of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

Harrington has around 79 people per dwelling approval, further indicating its low-density nature. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Harrington to add 1,027 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition among buyers as the population grows.

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 has identified three projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Harrington recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Harrington has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the town. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,036 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7% compared to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Harrington is at 36.9%, significantly lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 61.5%. Census responses indicate that a moderate 14.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade.

Harrington has a particular specialization in the accommodation & food services industry, with an employment share that is 1.7 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Harrington, with only 1.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Over the 12 months leading up to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, while employment decreased by 0.9% in Harrington, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, the labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Harrington's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections applied to Harrington's current employment mix.

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

Harrington's income level is lower than average nationally based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $36,343 with an average of $44,678, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $39,563 (median) and $48,636 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Harrington fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 36.1% of the population earning within the $400 - $799 range, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure with 45.5% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs leading to 87.1% income retention, 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). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrington was at 66.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.7% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Harrington was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Harrington was recorded as $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Harrington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (33.8%). Formal education enrollment stands at 14.8%, comprising primary education (5.7%), secondary education (4.0%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Formal education enrollment stands at 14.8% of residents. This includes 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 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by three distinct routes, offering a total of 72 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents situated an average of 123 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Harrington sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data, 14.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 10 trips daily, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Harrington faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,540 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (16.8%) and mental health issues (8.5%), while 48.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 49.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,719 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 89.2% having been born in Australia. This is lower than the national average of 67%. The majority were also citizens, with 93.8%, and spoke English only at home, at 97.6%.

Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 65.1% of Harrington's population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.0%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher in Harrington at 8.9%, compared to 8.0% regionally. Maltese ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.5%, compared to 0.4%. Spanish ancestry was present at 0.4%, higher than the regional average of 0.3%.

Harrington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Harrington's median age is 63 years, notably exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 29.3% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 4.7%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.2% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 18.7% to 16.6%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 8.0% to 6.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Harrington's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 781 people from the current 558. This growth is part of a broader trend where residents aged 65 and older represent 60% of anticipated population growth.