Narrandera

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

The population of Narrandera is estimated at around 4,420 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 51 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,369. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,418 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 337 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.4 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate of 1.2% since census positions it competitively within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's 1.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 for areas not covered by this data, 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. Over this period, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 168 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to increase by 69 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Narrandera, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Narrandera averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 57 homes. In FY26 so far, 14 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $450,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $5.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera records about 66% of building activity per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Narrandera's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 381 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Stable or declining population forecasts may indicate less housing pressure in Narrandera, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Narrandera has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two major projects likely impacting the region: Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Sandigo Solar Farm, and Yarrabee Solar Farm. Relevant details are provided below.

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 Narrandera face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Narrandera has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, and the unemployment rate as of December 2025 is 7.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,756 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Narrandera is lower at 52.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Based on Census responses, only 6.9% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs just 13.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9%, and employment declined by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Narrandera's median income is $46,274 and average income is $53,430. This is lower than national averages of $58,910 (median) and $67,475 (average). Regional NSW has a higher median income at $52,390 and an average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes in Narrandera would be approximately $51,049 (median) and $58,944 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. Census 2021 data places Narrandera's household, family, and personal incomes between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.9% of residents earn $400 - 799, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% earn $1,500 - 2,999. Narrandera has modest housing costs with 87.4% income retained, but its total disposable income ranks at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Narrandera's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera was at 39.5%, similar to Regional NSW. Dwellings were either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Narrandera was $210, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (28.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.3% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Narrandera has 120 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 20 routes providing 202 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 191 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Narrandera's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 92%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 28 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop. A map accompanies this data showing the 100 nearest stops to Narrandera's centrepoint.

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

Narrandera faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,126 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 11.2% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 60.4% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 25.7% (1,135 people), than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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

Narrandera, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 63.9%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.1%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.0%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) and Irish (9.2% vs 8.8%) were overrepresented in Narrandera compared to Regional NSW, while German showed a slight increase at 3.6% versus 3.1%.

Narrandera hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Narrandera's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Narrandera has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.0%). Between 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.5% to 13.0%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the age group 5-14 declined from 14.2% to 12.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.3% to 9.9%. By 2041, Narrandera's population aged 85+ is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 228 from 159. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decrease in population.