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 November 2025, the estimated population of Howlong is around 3,118 people. This figure represents an increase of 121 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,997 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,045 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 19.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Howlong has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an above median growth for national regional areas. By 2041, Howlong is expected to grow by 613 persons, reflecting an increase of 18.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Howlong recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Howlong has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 87 homes. So far in FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $612,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Relative to Rest of NSW, Howlong maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with the broader area, though recent activity has eased. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 292 people per dwelling approval, Howlong shows characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Howlong is expected to grow by 584 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

No local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely impacting this region. Key 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 relevant.

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

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

Howlong has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of June 2025, 1,539 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 53.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and construction are the dominant industries for residents. Howlong specializes in manufacturing with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level, but has a lower proportion in health care & social assistance at 13.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Howlong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Howlong has lower than average incomes nationally. The median income is $46,653 and the average is $54,156. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where the median income is $49,459 and the average is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,536 (median) and $60,985 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Howlong all fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting a pattern seen regionally where 29.9% occupy this range. Despite modest housing costs with 87.3% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

In Howlong, as recorded in the latest Census, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howlong stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 36.7% and rented ones 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,285. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Howlong was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $235. Nationally, Howlong's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $290 compared to 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (32.8%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education. Howlong Public School serves the local educational needs within Howlong, with an enrollment of 166 students as of a recent report. The school caters to typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 984) and offers balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 5.3, below the regional average of 9.3, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 102 active stops operating within Howlong. These are serviced by 16 routes, offering 113 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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

Health challenges are prominent in Howlong, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 1,509 individuals, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 13.3% and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 57.0% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 60.6%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 30.1%, or approximately 938 individuals, aged 65 and over. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Howlong are better than those of the general population.

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 had low cultural diversity, with 91.7% citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.0% regionally.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (35.2%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% vs regional 0.1%, Dutch at 1.6% vs 1.0%, and Scottish at 8.7% vs 9.2%.

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

Howlong has a median age of 49, which exceeds the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and is higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Howlong has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort at 16.8%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.7% to 10.0% of Howlong's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Howlong's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 107 people (35%), increasing from 305 to 413. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1% (2 people).