Narrabri

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Narrabri statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,395. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,327 people. The latest estimate comes from AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.7 persons per square kilometer. Narrabri's growth rate of 0.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (0.8%). Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the Narrabri (SA2) is expected to increase by 55 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.6% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Narrabri has experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years up to FY26. A total of 51 homes have been approved during this period. As of FY26, three approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

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 76.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods, which is also under the national average. This indicates the area's established nature and suggests potential planning limitations. New development consists of 70.0% standalone homes and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 87.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 923 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Narrabri will gain 43 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, Narrabri Place Strategy, Newell Highway Upgrade - Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades from Narrabri to Moree, and Narrabri Solar Farm and BESS project. The following list 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 diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 0.6%. The unemployment rate in Narrabri is 1.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is higher at 61.7%. Key sectors for employment include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Notably, mining has a high concentration with employment levels at 3.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.9% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Narrabri increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Narrabri's median income among taxpayers is $52,900 with an average of $62,791. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Narrabri would be approximately $57,587 (median) and $68,354 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Narrabri rank modestly between the 40th and 54th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.6% of residents (2,336 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, aligning with the regional trend where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs in Narrabri are manageable with 87.7% retained, however disposable income sits below average at the 46th percentile.

Narrabri is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Narrabri's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabri was at 34.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.7%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,448, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Narrabri was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Narrabri's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,448 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Narrabri has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high at 30.2%, comprising primary education (13.0%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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 are covered by 33 routes that together facilitate 362 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 237 meters.

On average, there are 51 trips daily across all routes, which amounts to about two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Narrabri faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, which amounts to around 3,829 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.7 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.7% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016 (the latest available data), 20.9% of Narrabri's residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 1,545 people. This is higher than the 18.8% recorded in Rest of NSW during the same period. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity: 89.9% were citizens, 94.7% born in Australia, and 96.5% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated Narrabri's religion scene with 65.2%, compared to 68.1% regionally. Top ancestral groups were Australian (37.8%), English (28.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%).

Notable ethnic group divergences included Samoan at 0.1% in Narrabri (regional: 0%), Korean at 0.1% (same as regional), and Sri Lankan at 0.1% (regional: 0%).

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

The median age in Narrabri is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrabri has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.2% to 7.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 decreased from 14.3% to 12.7%. The group aged 55 to 64 also saw a decline, from 13.7% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Narrabri's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching 737 people from 554. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.