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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Narara is around 8,721, reflecting a growth of 250 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.0% change from the previous population count of 8,471. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. Additionally, 25 validated new addresses were identified since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,058 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Notably, Narara's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration contributed significantly to this population growth, accounting for approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Narara are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to experience population growth at a rate just below the national median over the next sixteen years, increasing by approximately 613 persons to reach around 9,334 by the year 2041. This projected growth represents an increase of about 7.0% in total population over this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Narara averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 72 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. Each year, an average of 3.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating demand outpacing supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $428,000, higher than regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Narara's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narara has significantly less development activity, 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Narara is also under the average, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations.

Building activity shows 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining Narara's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With around 783 people per dwelling approval, Narara reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Narara will gain 612 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 16 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Narara Valley Estate, Narara Ecovillage, Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment, and Wyoming Shopping Village Upgrade. The following list details those projects 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Narara well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Narara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 4648 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

According to Census responses, 31.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Narara has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical employs just 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 3.5% alongside labour force increasing by 3.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Narara's local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Narara's median income among taxpayers is $52,431. The average income in the suburb is $67,757. Nationally, this is approximately average. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Narara would be approximately $57,842 (median) and $74,750 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that incomes in Narara cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprises 36.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 3,148 residents falling into this range. This pattern is similar to the region where 30.9% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income in Narara. Despite this, disposable income ranks 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

Dwelling structure in Narara, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narara stood at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.6% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Narara's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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 make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 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 prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 27.9%. Educational participation is 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 are served by 73 routes facilitating 1,688 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically living 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 31.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 241 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 25 weekly trips per individual 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 (~4,685 people), which compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.4%. Sixty-six point two percent 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. Sixteen point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,465 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. 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 cultural diversity aligns with its regional average, with 80.0% born in Australia, 90.9% citizens, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 52.0%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (7.9%). Notably, Russian, Korean, and Spanish ethnicities have higher representation in Narara than regionally: Russian at 0.4% vs 0.4%, Korean at 0.5% vs 1.1%, and Spanish at 0.5% vs 0.6%.

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

The median age in Narara is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Narara has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.1% to 5.7%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, Narara is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 23%, reaching 1,428 people from 1,159. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.