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. This growth represents an 8.3% rise from the previous figure of 4369. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4394 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with validation of 312 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13.2 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.3%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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 132 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 72 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 indicates Narrandera averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 57 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choices for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $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. 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 likely impacting the region: Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, scheduled for completion in 2023; Cedar Grove Estate, expected to commence construction in early 2024; Sandigo Solar Farm, planned for completion by late 2025; and Yarrabee Solar Farm, set to begin operation in mid-2026.

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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 spanning white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 7.3% as of September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,808 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Narrandera lags at 55.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 6.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among Narrandera residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized in the area, with an employment share 2.3 times higher than the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.7% of Narrandera's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force increased by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.2 percentage points in Narrandera. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points during the same period. 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 industry-specific projections to Narrandera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Narrandera suburb is $46,274. The average income is $53,430. These figures are based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Both median and average incomes in Narrandera are below national averages. Rest of NSW's median income is $52,390 with an average income of $65,215. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,374 (median) and $58,164 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Narrandera fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. The income band of $400 - 799 captures 28.9% of Narrandera's population, with 1,367 individuals in this category. This differs from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.4% income retention, 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

In Narrandera, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.9% of dwellings were houses while 6.1% consisted of semi-detached, apartments, and other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 39.5%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Narrandera was recorded at $210, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Narrandera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 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 at 29.6%, with 12.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing 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. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop. In this mainly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%, while walking accounts for 7%. 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. The service frequency across all routes averages 28 trips per day, resulting in roughly one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact 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% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (10.2%). However, 60.4% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across the Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Narrandera has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (25.5%, or 1,206 people) than the Rest of NSW (23.4%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for the overall 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Narrandera, comprising 63.9% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.1%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.0%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Irish (9.2%) were overrepresented in Narrandera compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 8.8%, respectively. German ancestry also had a slightly higher representation at 3.6% versus the 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 Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of 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 now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.5% to 11.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 12.6%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.3% to 9.8%. By 2041, Narrandera's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 228 people from 175. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 90% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.