Narrabri

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Narrabri is around 7,498, reflecting an increase of 171 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.3% rise from the previous census figure of 7,327 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 7,386 in Jun 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5.8 persons per square kilometer. Narrabri's growth of 2.3% exceeded the SA3 area average of 1.3%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections where applicable, with growth rates by age group applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Projected population growth indicates a lower quartile increase for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Narrabri expected to gain 54 persons by 2041, reflecting a decline of 0.8% 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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Narrabri has experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years up to FY26. This totals an estimated 50 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $702,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $112,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrabri records 73.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, though recent periods show moderated development activity. This is below the national average, indicating 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. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 87.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 984, 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.

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

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, Narrabri Place Strategy initiative, Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades from Narrabri to Moree, and Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS project. 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.

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

Narrabri has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs in various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 4,304 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Narrabri is high at 73.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses show that only 9.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Notably, mining employment levels are 3.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Narrabri's labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment declined by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. This mirrors Regional NSW's trend, with employment contracting by 1.2%, labour force falling by 0.8%, and unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Narrabri's median income among taxpayers is $52,900. The average income in the suburb is $62,791. Both figures are lower than national averages. Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,587 (median) and $68,354 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Narrabri rank modestly, between the 40th and 54th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.6% of residents (2,369 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is similar to the regional trend where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.7% of income, but disposable income ranks below average 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, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri stood at 34.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.7%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,448, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Narrabri was $260, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Narrabri's mortgage repayments were 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 constitute 68.1 percent of all households, including 26.4 percent couples with children, 29.4 percent couples without children, and 11.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.9 percent, with lone person households at 29.0 percent and group households comprising 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 are covered by 33 routes providing 362 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 237 meters. Most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode at 91%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, there is an average of 51 trips per day, resulting in approximately two 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Narrabri, as assessed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~3,882 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.7%) and arthritis (9.4%). 63.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. 21.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,619 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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, as per data from the Australian Census of Population and Housing conducted on 29 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 89.9%, born in Australia at 94.7%, and speaking English only at home at 96.5%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 65.2% of Narrabri's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.8%), English (28.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%). These figures were substantially higher than the regional averages of 30.0% for Australian, 24.6% for English, and 4.6% for Australian Aboriginal. Notably, Samoan, Korean, and Sri Lankan ethnic groups had similar representations in Narrabri as in Regional NSW, each 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 Regional NSW's average of 43 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Narrabri has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 6.2% to 7.9%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 decreased from 14.3% to 12.0%. The group aged 55-64 also saw a decrease, from 13.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Narrabri's age structure. Notably, the population aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 746 people from 592. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.