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, the estimated population of the suburb of Kootingal as of Feb 2026 is around 2,607. This reflects an increase of 294 people 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 in June 2024 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the Rest of NSW, 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered by this data. 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 the suburb expected to grow by 364 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.9% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kootingal has seen around 24 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 120 homes have been approved, with a further 17 approved so far in FY-26. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of these properties is $390,000. In terms of commercial development, Kootingal has recorded $12.0 million in approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kootingal has 120.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity is composed of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 178 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Kootingal will gain 257 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Kootingal has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one project likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Kootingal Residential Growth Precinct, Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, Tamworth Global Gateway Park, and Lambruk Solar Farm. The following details projects most relevant.

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

Kootingal has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

This rate is 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kootingal is high at 66.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employs only 5.6% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.8%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data from December 2024 to December 2025 shows a decrease in labour force by 1.0% and employment decline by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kootingal's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Kootingal had a median income among taxpayers of $50,485 and an average income of $59,856 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 for the same period. 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. In the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kootingal ranked modestly, between the 25th and 40th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.1% of residents (810 people), similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remained in Kootingal, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Kootingal, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kootingal stood 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. The median weekly rent in Kootingal was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kootingal's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,302 against 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 comprise the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households making up 2.3%. 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'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%, with 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 individual routes, collectively providing 419 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 183 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 (~1,319 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (12.3%) and mental health issues (11.1%), while 59.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the Regional NSW average of 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (563 people), lower than the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings higher than those of 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, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 92.7% citizens, 95.8% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 63.0%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestral groups were Australian (33.2%), English (32.0%), Irish (8.9%).

Notable differences included Australian Aboriginal at 8.2% (regional: 4.6%), Hungarian at 0.2% (same as regional), and South Australian at 0.3% (regional: 0.2%).

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 0-4 age group comprises 7.1% of Kootingal's population, higher than Regional NSW's figure. The 35-44 cohort makes up 10.7%, which is lower compared to Regional NSW. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.6% to 7.3%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 1.4% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.7% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kootingal's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 26%, adding 83 people to reach 407 from the current 323. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age range is projected to decrease by 19%.