Narara

An assessment of population growth drivers in Narara reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Narara is around 8,688, reflecting an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.6% change from the previous population count of 8,471. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 8,633. This results in a population density ratio of 1,054 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Narara's growth since the census positions it competitively with other areas, being within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's 3.2% growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Based on these aggregations, the suburb of Narara is expected to increase by 755 persons by 2041, reflecting an 8.1% total increase over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Narara according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis reveals Narara has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 72 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.4 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $428,000.

In FY-26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narara has significantly less development activity, 55.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments. AreaSearch forecasts indicate Narara will gain 702 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth.

Population forecasts indicate Narara will gain 702 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Narara Valley Estate, Narara Ecovillage, Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment, and Wyoming Shopping Village 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.

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The labour market in Narara shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Narara's skilled workforce has an unemployment rate of 3.3% and saw a 2.8% increase in employment over the year ending September 2025. As of this date, 4612 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.0%.

According to Census responses, 31.3% of Narara residents work from home. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while professional & technical services are lower at 6.3%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Over the year ending September 2025, Narara's employment increased by 2.8% and labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force increase by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally, with Narara's local employment mix suggesting potential increases of 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Narara's median income is $52,431 and average income is $67,757. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $57,076 (median) and $73,760 (average). Census data indicates that Narara's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 36.1% of residents (3,136 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with broader regional trends at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Narara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narara was at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.6% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Narara was $1,950, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent in Narara was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Narara's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Narara features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Narara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (27.9%). Educational participation is high at 29.3%, with 10.6% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Narara has 67 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 73 routes, facilitating 1,688 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents averaging 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 90% of residents. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 31.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 241 trips per day, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Narara is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Narara faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~4,668 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while asthma affects 9.4%. Conversely, 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Narara has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,468 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Narara records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Narara's population was found to be around the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.0% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Narara, comprising 52.0% of its population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%, regional average 19.0%), Australian (28.7%, regional average 17.8%), and Irish (7.9%). Notable divergences include Russian at 0.4% in Narara versus 0.4% regionally, Korean at 0.5% versus 1.1%, and Spanish at 0.5% versus 0.6%.

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

The median age in Narara is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narara has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75-84 increased from 4.1% to 5.9%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 11.3% to 12.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 12.6% to 11.2%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, Narara's population is expected to shift significantly in terms of age composition. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,433 people from 1,146. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising half of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 35-44 age cohorts.