Kootingal

Population growth drivers in Kootingal are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the suburb of Kootingal's population was estimated around 2,512 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 199 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,313, reflecting a growth rate of 8.6%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,466 residents in June 2025, based on latest ERP data release by ABS, and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. Kootingal's growth exceeded SA4 region (3.6%) and Rest of NSW, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% to overall population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 343 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 11.8% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kootingal when compared nationally

Kootingal has seen approximately 24 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 120 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 22 approved in FY-26. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio has intensified to 4.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $390,000. This year, $12.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kootingal has 119.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (76.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

This represents a shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. Kootingal has approximately 183 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate that Kootingal will gain 297 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the area: Kootingal Residential Growth Precinct, Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, Tamworth Global Gateway Park, and Lambruk Solar Farm are key projects, with the following list detailing 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.

The employment environment in Kootingal shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kootingal's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 2.8%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation was high at 69.0% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Home-based workers comprised a low 13.1% of residents, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services employed just 5.6% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Kootingal's labour force decreased by 0.7%, with employment declining by 1.3%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment decline and a 0.8% labour force decrease, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kootingal's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Kootingal's median income among taxpayers was $50,485 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $59,856 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Regional NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates suggest the median income in Kootingal would be approximately $55,695 and the average income around $66,033 by March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kootingal rank modestly, between the 25th and 40th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates in Kootingal, with 31.1% of residents (781 people) falling within this range, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, which ranks at the 28th percentile nationally.

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

Kootingal's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.5% other dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kootingal was at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,302, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Kootingal was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kootingal's mortgage repayments were lower 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, consisting of 29.6% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (35.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, including 11.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 that collectively facilitate 419 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 183 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward, predominantly using cars (97%). On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 13.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 59 trips per day, resulting in approximately 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,271 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 12.3 and 11.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (547 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 had a low level of cultural diversity, with 92.7% of its population being citizens, 95.8% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kootingal, comprising 63.0% of its population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (32.0%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 8.2%, while Hungarian and South Australian populations were similar to regional averages at 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.

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

Kootingal's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.6% of Kootingal's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.6%, which is lower compared to Regional NSW. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.6% to 7.4%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.4% to 3.2%. However, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.6% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group decreased from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kootingal's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 376 people from its current total of 296. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age range is predicted to decrease by 15%.