Howlong

Population growth drivers in Howlong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Howlong statistical area is estimated at around 3,044 people. This reflects a growth of 47 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,997 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,971 following examination of ABS's ERP data release in June 2024, along with validation of 34 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 19.5 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Howlong exhibited resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Howlong are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Howlong area is projected to grow by an additional 610 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Howlong shows an average of around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 78 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $612,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $5.4 million in commercial development approvals, indicating Howlong's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Howlong maintains similar construction rates per person, aligning with broader area market balance. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

The estimated population count of 383 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Howlong adding 655 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Howlong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to its local infrastructure, major ventures, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include North East Rail Line Upgrade, VNI West (NSW section), Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, and Regional Housing Fund (Victoria). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Howlong has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of September 2025, 1,540 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 2.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 13.9%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force rose by 1.5%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Howlong's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that median income in Howlong is $46,653. Average income stands at $54,156. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $50,786 (median) and $58,954 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 data shows Howlong's household income ranks at the 19th percentile nationally. Family income is at the 23rd percentile, while personal income is also at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution in Howlong is dominated by the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, with 32.0% of residents (974 people). This pattern is similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this income range. Housing costs are modest, with 87.3% of income retained after housing expenses. However, total disposable income ranks at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Howlong is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Howlong, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Howlong was at 44.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (18.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,285. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $235. Nationally, Howlong's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Howlong has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 37.0% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the Rest of NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Howlong fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 32.8%. A notable 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Howlong indicates that there are 107 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with 15 individual routes collectively providing 122 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 173 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Howlong faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,473 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.3% of residents) and asthma (9.3%). Notably, 57.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 60.6% in the rest of NSW. In Howlong, 30.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (916 people). Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Howlong was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 91.7% of its population being Australian citizens and 90.7% born in Australia. Additionally, 97.6% spoke English only at home. The predominant religion in Howlong is Christianity, comprising 52.7% of the population.

Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Howlong, making up 0.2% of its population compared to 0.0% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (35.2%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4% compared to 0.1% regionally, Dutch at 1.6% compared to 1.0%, and Scottish at 8.7% compared to 9.2%.

Howlong hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of Howlong is 49, which exceeds the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and is above Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Howlong at 16.8%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.0% of Howlong's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Howlong's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 113 people (38%) from 298 to 412. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 3% (8 people).