Narrabri

Narrabri has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Narrabri is around 7,498, reflecting a growth of 171 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.3% rise from the previous population count of 7,327. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 7,386 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5.8 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (1.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 65% 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 where applicable, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 60 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 0.7% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Narrabri is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data indicates Narrabri has received around 10 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. As of FY26, three approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $702,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, Narrabri has registered $112,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrabri records 76.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, though recent periods show moderated development activity. This is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 70.0% detached houses and 30.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 87.0% houses). The estimated population per dwelling approval is 923 people, reflecting Narrabri's quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, the area should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Narrabri should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Narrabri has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, Narrabri Place Strategy initiative, Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades from Narrabri to Moree, and Narrabri Solar Farm with associated BESS system. The following details 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 Narrabri demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Narrabri has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 2.2%, and estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 4,351 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Narrabri is higher at 74.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Mining has a particularly high representation with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.9%.

Many Narrabri residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force rose by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrabri's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Narrabri had a median taxpayer income of $52,900 and an average income of $62,791 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average for Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes in Narrabri would be approximately $57,587 (median) and $68,354 (average). The 2021 Census ranked household, family and personal incomes in Narrabri modestly, between the 40th and 54th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 31.6% of residents (2,369 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.7% retained, but disposable income was below average, ranking at the 46th percentile.

Narrabri is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Narrabri's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri was at 34.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,448, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Narrabri was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Narrabri's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narrabri has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 68.1% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 8.3% and certificates for 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Narrabri has 159 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 33 routes, providing 362 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 237 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Narrabri is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Narrabri faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~3,882 people) of Narrabri's total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma (9.7%) and arthritis (9.4%). Conversely, 63.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 63.3% reported across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Narrabri has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,589 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Narrabri placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Narrabri's cultural diversity was below average, with 89.9% citizens, 94.7% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Narrabri at 65.2%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups were Australian (37.8%), English (28.3%), and Aboriginal Australian (10.3%).

Notably, Samoan, Korean, and Sri Lankan groups had identical representation in Narrabri as the regional average at 0.1%.

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

The median age in Narrabri is 39 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrabri has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.9%). Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 6.2% to 7.7%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.3% to 12.1%. The 55 to 64 age group also dropped from 13.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Narrabri's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 738 people from 577. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.