Jindabyne

Population growth drivers in Jindabyne are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking 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 since the Census, Jindabyne's population is estimated at around 3,429 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 443 people (14.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,986 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,153, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. Jindabyne's 14.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.1%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the Jindabyne statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 1,128 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Jindabyne among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Jindabyne recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 130 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been registered. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted three new residents. The average construction cost value for new homes is $633,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Jindabyne's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Jindabyne exhibits 71.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 58.0% detached dwellings and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points. With around 129 people per approval, Jindabyne indicates a developing area.

Population forecasts suggest Jindabyne will gain approximately 894 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth. However, increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Nugget's Crossing Shopping Centre Expansion, Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park, Jindabyne Lakeside, and Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The exceptional employment performance in Jindabyne places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Jindabyne has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 0.8%.

It has 2,152 residents in work, which is 3.0% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and a workforce participation rate of 77.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, arts & recreation, and education & training. Accommodation & food has particularly high levels at 3.4 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.0% and employment by 4.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.3%. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jindabyne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

In AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Jindabyne had a median taxpayer income of $48,622 and an average income of $63,291. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,930 (median) and $68,899 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Jindabyne are around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.8% of locals (1,330 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank highly with disposable incomes in the 73rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Jindabyne displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Jindabyne, as per the latest Census, 56.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 43.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jindabyne stood at 26.3%, with mortgaged properties at 30.8% and rented ones at 42.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,636, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,408. Median weekly rent in Jindabyne was $400, compared to $300 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Jindabyne's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower at $1,636 than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent is higher at $400 than the national figure of $375.

Jindabyne features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.9% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 14.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Jindabyne performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Jindabyne's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 26.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably high at 29.4%, including 9.2% in secondary education, 8.3% in primary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Jindabyne shows that there are currently 41 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. The town is serviced by 18 individual routes which together provide 745 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 202 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 106 trips per day, equating to roughly 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Jindabyne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Jindabyne's health outcomes show excellent results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has approximately 52% (~1,782 people) private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 region. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.0 and 7.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 75.2% of Jindabyne's population declared themselves completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of NSW. The area has 11.1% (380 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require particular attention despite their lower prevalence.

Jindabyne ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Jindabyne, surveyed in 2016, showed cultural diversity below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (88.4%), born in Australia (84.0%), and speaking English only at home (92.9%). Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 35.0% of residents.

Notably, Buddhism's representation was higher than the regional average, making up 1.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 1.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.6%), Australian (27.7%), and Irish (9.6%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), Scottish (9.6% vs 9.4%), and French (0.8% vs 0.5%) were relatively overrepresented in Jindabyne compared to the wider region.

Jindabyne hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Jindabyne's median age is 31 years, which is significantly younger than the Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 24.5% of Jindabyne's population compared to the Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort constitutes only 6.7%. This concentration of individuals aged 25-34 is notably higher than Australia's national figure of 14.5%. Between January 2021 and present day, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 22.0% to 24.5%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 11.8% to 13.0%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.6% to 11.2%, and the proportion of children aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 11.4% to 9.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Jindabyne's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 324 people and reaching a total of 1,165 individuals from its current figure of 840. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6%, with an increase of just 19 people.