Narrandera

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Narrandera statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,712 people. This reflects a growth of 343 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,369 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,394 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13.2 persons per square kilometer. Narrandera's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.0%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections 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. According to population projections, the Narrandera (SA2) is expected to experience a decline of 141 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 67 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 averaging around 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years to FY26, totalling an estimated 57 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $450,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year has seen $5.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Narrandera records approximately 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 character 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. 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two major projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Narrandera Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Cedar Grove Estate, Sandigo Solar Farm, and Yarrabee Solar Farm. The following details these projects, focusing on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 7.3%, and estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 1,808 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Narrandera is 52.0%, lower than the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Key industries are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 2.3 times higher than the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force rose by 5.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider 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 is $46,274 and the average is $53,430 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 median income and $65,215 average income in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,374 median and $58,164 average based on an 8.86% increase since the financial year ended 30 June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Narrandera's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. In Narrandera, 28.9% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, unlike regional levels where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.4% income retention, Narrandera's total disposable income ranks at 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 dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro NSW's distribution of 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrandera stood at 39.5%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Narrandera was $210, compared to $250 in Non-Metro 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 make up the remaining 35.8%, consisting of 33.0% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (28.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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 116 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 20 routes in total, facilitating 202 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 28 trips per day across all routes, translating 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 range 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 (~2,267 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.2% and 10.2% of residents respectively. 60.4% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. As of 25.1%, residents aged 65 and over (1,182 people) make up the population, which is higher than the 18.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line 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, 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 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry 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 (Welsh: 0.3%, Irish: 7.1%). German ancestry is also slightly higher at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 2.7%.

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 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 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.5% to 12.1% of Narrandera's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 12.9%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, Narrandera's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 229 people from 174. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 69% of the population increase. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.