Kootingal

Population growth drivers in Kootingal are above average 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, Kootingal's population is estimated at around 2,571 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 258 people (11.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,313 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,500 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Kootingal's 11.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.6%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, 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. Moving forward, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with Kootingal expected to grow by 365 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Kootingal has seen approximately 26 new home approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 131 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.7 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $390,000. In FY-26, $12.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kootingal has 138.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity consists of 77.0% detached dwellings and 23.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Kootingal's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 96.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Kootingal reflects a developing area, with around 137 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate that Kootingal will gain 214 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Kootingal Residential Growth Precinct, Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, Tamworth Global Gateway Park, and Lambruk Solar Farm, with the following list providing details of those 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.

Employment conditions in Kootingal demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Kootingal's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a notably high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services employ only 5.6% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 7.8%. As of September 2025, 1,325 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is 1.3 percentage points below Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation in Kootingal stands at 62.8%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force rose by 1.1%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point unemployment rate rise. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Statewide in NSW, employment contracted by 0.03% between November 2024 and November 2025, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kootingal's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.2% in five years and 13.2% in ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Kootingal has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kootingal is $50,485, and the average income stands at $59,856. These figures compare to those of the Rest of NSW, which are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kootingal would be approximately $54,958 (median) and $65,159 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Kootingal rank modestly, between the 25th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.1% of residents (799 people), similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains in Kootingal, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

Kootingal is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Kootingal, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kootingal was 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,302, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Median weekly rent in Kootingal was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Kootingal's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,302 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kootingal has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.1% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Kootingal faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (35.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, comprising primary education (11.9%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kootingal has 67 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes, collectively facilitating 419 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 183 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 59 trips per day, translating to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kootingal is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kootingal faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering about 1,301 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are most prevalent, impacting 12.3% and 11.1% respectively. However, 59.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.3%, or 547 people, higher than the 19.9% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but still better than the general population's metrics.

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

Kootingal, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population comprised 92.7% citizens, with 95.8% born in Australia and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 63.0% of Kootingal's residents, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (32.0%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented in Kootingal at 8.2%, compared to the regional average of 9.4%. Hungarian (0.2%) and South African (0.3%) ancestry groups also showed higher representation than the regional averages of 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

Kootingal's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Kootingal's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The percentage of residents aged 5-14 stands at 13.5%, higher than Rest of NSW's figure, while the 35-44 age group comprises 10.8%, lower than Rest of NSW's figure. As per the 2021 Census, the proportion of Kootingal residents aged 85 and above has increased from 1.4% to 3.0%, and those aged 75 to 84 have risen from 5.6% to 7.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.7% to 13.5%, and those aged 45-54 have fallen from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Kootingal's age profile by 2041, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 27%, reaching 389 people from 305. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups.