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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Harrington is around 3,446. This represents an increase of 65 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,381. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,236 residents as of June 2024, along with 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, Harrington has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Harrington are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas, with Harrington expected to expand by 814 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Harrington has recorded around 26 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 133 homes. In FY-26, so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.2 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed during these years, indicating strong demand which supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $417,000, higher than regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $256,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Harrington shows 52.0% higher building activity per person. New development consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 79 people per dwelling approval, Harrington exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections estimate Harrington adding 604 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Harrington Waters Estate, Manor Road Retirement Living Development, Big4 Colonial Holiday Park & Leisure Village Rezoning, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Harrington recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Harrington's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,026 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Harrington lags behind Regional NSW at 35.7%, compared to 61.3%. Census data reveals that 14.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Harrington specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence at 1.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% and employment fell by 2.1%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point unemployment rate increase. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from ATO figures for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $36,343, with an average income of $44,678. These compare to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $39,563 (median) and $48,636 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, Harrington's household, family and personal incomes all fall within the 1st to 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 36.1% of Harrington's population (1,244 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Economic circumstances indicate 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, Harrington's 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 compared to Regional NSW's 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrington stood at 66.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.7% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Harrington was $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Harrington's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 Regional 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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 primary education (5.7%), secondary education (4.0%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

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 serving buses. These are covered by three routes offering a total of 72 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents living an average of 123 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Harrington's residential nature. Cars dominate at 95%, with 5% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 10 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per 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 across both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,540 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 16.8%) and mental health issues (8.5%), while 48.1% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 51.5%, with 1,774 people, compared to 23.4% in Regional 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. Citizenship was also high, at 93.8%, and the majority spoke English only at home, at 97.6%. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 65.1% of Harrington's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.0%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher in Harrington at 8.9%, compared to 8.0% regionally. Maltese and Spanish ancestries were also marginally higher than regional averages, at 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively.

Harrington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Harrington is 64 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and substantially exceeds Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 30.3% of the population, while those aged 5-14 years make up only 4.7%, which is smaller than in Regional NSW. This concentration of people aged 65-74 years is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 14.5% to 16.8%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 18.7% to 16.7% and the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 8.0% to 6.9%. By 2041, Harrington is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to increase by 27%, adding 157 people to reach a total of 736 in this age group. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 68% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 15 to 24 is projected to grow by a modest 3%, adding only 5 people.