Narooma

Narooma has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Narooma statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,801 people. This reflects an increase of 70 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,731 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,766 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Narooma has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the broader SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in Nov 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in Nov 2022 with 2021 as the base year. For future population trends up to 2041, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected. The Narooma (SA2) area is projected to grow by approximately 309 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 10.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Narooma had approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 32 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 3.7, indicating supply lagging demand, which may lead to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $435,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Narooma's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narooma records significantly lower building activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New building activity is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Detached dwellings make up 75.0% of new building activity, with townhouses or apartments comprising 25.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Narooma is 791 people.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 282 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing housing supply if current development rates continue, which could intensify buyer competition and support stronger price growth.

Narooma has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, NSW To Victorian Border, Low And Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, 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.

Employment conditions in Narooma face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Narooma has a skilled workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 5.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,016 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Narooma lags at 40.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Notably, accommodation & food has high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 5.2% and employment declined by 5.0%, resulting in unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Narooma. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Narooma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that Narooma had a median income among taxpayers of $35,782 and an average of $48,699. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Narooma as of September 2025 would be approximately $38,952 (median) and $53,014 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Narooma fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 34.7% of the community earns between $400 and $799 per week (971 individuals), differing from the surrounding region where 29.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Notably, 43.6% of Narooma's population falls into sub-$800 weekly brackets, suggesting economic challenges for a significant portion of the community. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at only the 4th percentile nationally.

Narooma displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Narooma, as per the latest Census, 68.4% of dwellings were houses and 31.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In Non-Metro NSW, these figures were 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narooma was 55.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.1% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. Median weekly rent in Narooma was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Narooma's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $260 vs the national figure of $375.

Narooma features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 57.1% of all households, including 13.5% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 40.7% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 30.6%. A total of 21.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.8% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Narooma shows that there are currently 66 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 22 individual routes providing 238 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 188 meters away from the nearest stop on average.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at approximately 34 trips per day, which equates to about 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Narooma is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Narooma faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 1,296 people, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 14.5% of residents) and mental health concerns (impacting 9.1%). Conversely, 56.6% report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in the rest of NSW. Narooma has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 37.3% (around 1,044 people), compared to 31.7% in the rest of NSW. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Narooma are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

Narooma is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Narooma, as per the data, shows lower cultural diversity with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 47.8% of Narooma's population. Buddhism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (32.4%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is relatively higher in Narooma at 9.0% compared to the regional figure of 8.6%, Maltese at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% compared to 3.6%.

Narooma ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Narooma is 57 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and substantially exceeding Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narooma has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (22.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.5%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 58 to 57, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Specifically, the 35-44 age group grew from 7.3% to 9.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 17.0% to 14.4%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 24.8% to 22.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Narooma's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 38% (121 people), reaching 444 from 322. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.