Narrandera

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Narrandera's population is estimated at around 4,816 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 447 people (10.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,369 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,395, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 13.5 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's 10.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 140 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 66 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Narrandera averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 57 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice while new homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $450,000.

Additionally, $8.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera shows approximately 66% of the construction activity per person and places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 381 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Narrandera may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact the area. Key projects are Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Sandigo Solar Farm, and Yarrabee Solar Farm. The following details those most relevant:.

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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 performance in Narrandera lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Narrandera has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.7%.

Over the past year, there has been an estimated employment growth of 5.9%. In Narrandera, 1,803 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is 4.0% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Narrandera is lower at 52.0%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.

Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.3 times higher than the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 13.7% of local workers, below the Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.9%, and labour force grew by 8.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Narrandera is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $46,274 while the average income stands at $53,430. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,109 (median) and $60,168 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Narrandera all fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,391 residents). Housing costs are modest with 87.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

Narrandera is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Narrandera, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 39.5%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Narrandera was $210, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $250. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus the Australian 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 comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (28.5%).

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, including 12.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. Narrandera's four schools have a combined enrollment of 772 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions with an ICSEA index of 897. Education provision is balanced with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Narrandera has 72 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 16 different routes that collectively facilitate 114 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically residing just 232 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Narrandera. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, which amounts to around 2,317 people. This figure is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 11.2% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. Narrandera has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 25.1% (1,208 people) compared to the 18.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly inline with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Narrandera is Christianity, comprising 63.9% of the population, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.1%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.0%).

Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Irish (9.2%) populations in Narrandera exceed regional averages of 0.3% and 7.1%, respectively. Additionally, the German population is higher than the regional average at 3.6%.

Narrandera hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Narrandera's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.1%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.1%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the population aged 55 to 64 decreased from 13.9% to 12.6%, and the population aged 5 to 14 dropped from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, Narrandera's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 229 from 178. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 79% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 75 to 84 age groups are anticipated to decrease in numbers.