Narrandera

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Narrandera is around 4731, reflecting an increase of 362 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4369. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 4394 in June 2024 and validation of 312 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 13.2 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase. AreaSearch uses 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.

These projections indicate a decline in overall population by 131 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts led by the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 74 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Narrandera averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 57 homes. As of April 2026, 12 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average value of new homes being built is $450,000, indicating a 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 the building activity per person, placing it among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. The area's established nature and potential planning limitations are suggested by its level being under the national average.

New building activity shows 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, 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. With 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 expected to impact the region: Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Sandigo Solar Farm, and Yarrabee Solar Farm are key initiatives. The following details projects likely to have the greatest relevance.

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

Narrandera has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,756 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Narrandera is lower at 52.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Only 6.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, employing 2.3 times more residents than the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0%, while employment declined by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrandera's employment mix, local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Narrandera's median income is $46,274 and average income is $53,430. This is lower than the national averages of $58,196 (median) and $71,980 (average). In Regional NSW, median income is $52,390 and average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Narrandera would be approximately $50,374 (median) and $58,164 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Narrandera fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income distribution shows that 28.9% of residents earn between $400 and $799 annually (1,367 people). This differs from surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest in Narrandera, with residents retaining 87.4% of their income. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Narrandera, as per the latest Census, 93.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera was 39.5%, similar to Regional NSW, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Narrandera was $1,083, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Narrandera was $210, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households making up 2.6%. 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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (28.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary education (12.3%), secondary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

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 stops are served by 20 different routes that collectively facilitate 202 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 191 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 28 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops to the location'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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of Narrandera's total population (~2,276 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (10.2%). Notably, 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.6%, with 1,211 people, compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors align broadly with national rankings.

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, born in Australia (93.7%), and speaking English only at home (95.9%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Narrandera, comprising 63.9%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are 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%) and Irish (9.2%) populations in Narrandera exceed their respective regional averages of 0.5% and 8.8%, while German (3.6%) slightly exceeds its regional average of 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 (9.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group 15-24 has increased from 10.5% to 12.0%, while the age group 25-34 has grown from 9.6% to 10.9%. Conversely, the age groups 5-14 have decreased from 14.2% to 12.7% and 45-54 have dropped from 11.3% to 9.9%. By 2041, Narrandera's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 231 people from 175. This demographic shift will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 88% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the age groups 0-4 and 35-44 are expected to decrease in numbers.