Narrogin

Narrogin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Narrogin has an estimated resident population of approximately 4,102 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 175 individuals (4.5%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 3,927 people. The calculation is based on a resident population of 4,102, which AreaSearch computed using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and 4 validated new addresses added since the Census. This count translates to a density of 312 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and potential room for future expansions. The suburb of Narrogin's 4.5% expansion since the Census is within 1.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (5.6%), showing solid growth dynamics. Over the recent period, population increases were primarily driven by overseas migration, which served as almost the exclusive driver of population gains.

For each SA2 area, AreaSearch adopts the projections released in 2024 by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 areas without direct coverage, and to calculate development post-2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 numbers) are applied. Demographically, the suburb of Narrogin is projected to experience population growth above the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population expected to expand by 611 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing a total increase of 14.9% across the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Narrogin is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical areas shows that Narrogin averages about 4 new home approvals annually, with an estimated total of 23 homes approved over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been documented. Since the population has shrunk recently, housing supply has remained sufficient for local demand, resulting in a balanced market with options for buyers, and newly built properties average a value of $200,000—which is below regional averages—providing more affordable entry points for purchasers. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $104,000 have been logged during this financial year, pointing to a market that is overwhelmingly residential.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, Narrogin has significantly lower building volumes (60.0% below the regional per capita average). This limited supply of new dwellings generally supports demand and prices for established properties, even though building rates have quickened recently. The building activity is also below national levels, showing a mature market and suggesting potential developmental hurdles. New builds consist of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% semi-detached properties or apartments, which preserves the traditional low-density layout and emphasizes spacious family dwellings. Having 588 people in the community per single home approval highlights the quiet and low-key building environment.

Population projections suggest Narrogin will add 611 residents by 2041 (calculated from the latest quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). At current construction rates, new housing may not keep pace with this population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and put upward pressure on prices.

Narrogin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes have a significant impact on an area's performance. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the locality. Major projects include the Narrogin FutureEnergy Park, the Narrogin Health Service Redevelopment, the Narrogin Solar Farm & BESS, and the Narrogin BESS Project, with the list below detailing those most relevant to the area.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Narrogin recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Narrogin possesses a skilled labor force, with strong representation in essential service industries, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, there are 2,081 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.7% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, while labor participation is slightly lower than average (63.4% relative to Regional WA's 65.6%). Census data indicates a low 2.9% of the workforce operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

Local employment is heavily weighted toward health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The suburb displays a strong concentration in health care & social assistance, where the proportion of workers is 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 2.0% of local jobs, compared to 11.7% across Regional WA. This mostly residential locality seems to offer restricted local job options, as shown by comparing the Census working population against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader regions, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw the labor force shrink by 5.2% and total employment drop by 7.3%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA experienced a minor 0.1% dip in employment and a 0.3% rise in the labor force, with unemployment growing by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Narrogin. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates differ greatly by industry. Applying these industry projections to Narrogin's current workforce suggests local employment would rise by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, incomes in the suburb of Narrogin are lower than the national average, showing a median of $49,239 and an average of $59,999. In comparison, Regional WA shows a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting these figures for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,621 for the median and $66,557 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places individual income at the 32nd percentile ($719 per week), while household income is at the 15th percentile. Looking at the income distribution, 28.0% of residents (1,148 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which is similar to the wider region where 31.1% of the population falls into this range. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 86.9% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Residential structures in Narrogin at the time of the last Census consisted of 90.4% separate houses and 9.6% other options (such as semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other structures), compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership rates in Narrogin matched Regional WA at 35.7%, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,149 was significantly lower than the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Narrogin's mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 59.6%, consisting of couples with children (20.5%), couples without children (26.2%), and single parents (12.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 40.4%, with single-person households at 37.3% and group households at 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university degree rates (17.2%) sitting well below the national level of 30.4%. This represents a key challenge as well as a target for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 13.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate degrees (1.8%). Technical and trade qualifications are common, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (29.7%).

Enrollment rates are high in the community, with 30.4% of the population currently undertaking formal studies. Of these students, 11.8% are in primary school, 10.2% are in secondary school, and 2.4% are studying at the tertiary level.

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

An analysis of public transport reveals 2 active transit stops in Narrogin, which are served by buses. These stops are linked to 3 distinct routes, providing a total of 11 passenger trips per week. Transit access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 1019 meters from the closest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the main transport method at 89%, followed by walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per home, which is lower than the regional average. A low 2.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1 trips per day across the local routes, which translates to approximately 5 weekly trips for each transit stop.

Health performance in Narrogin is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health statistics show considerable difficulties for Narrogin, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance, which covers roughly 51% of the population (~2,092 people). This is below the 56.4% coverage rate recorded across Regional WA.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.3% of the population, respectively, while 64.1% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges, with higher rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.3% of the community (832 people), which is higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national health rankings for this group being worse than for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Narrogin records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Narrogin is generally consistent with the broader regional average, with citizens making up 81.6% of the population, 80.4% born in Australia, and 88.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 52.8% of the local population. However, the most pronounced difference is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents compared to Regional WA's average of 0.0%.

Regarding ancestry (the birthplace of parents), the three most common backgrounds in Narrogin are English (31.9%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (6.5%). There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: South Australian ancestry is overrepresented at 1.2% (vs 0.6% regionally), Polish is at 1.1% (vs 0.5%), and New Zealand ancestry is at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Narrogin hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 42 years in Narrogin is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and significantly older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Narrogin has a higher proportion of people aged 25 - 34 (15.6%) but fewer aged 35 - 44 (11.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the median age has dropped by 1.0 years from 43 to 42, showing a shift towards a younger demographic. Notable changes include the 25 to 34 age group increasing from 12.2% to 15.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rising from 11.9% to 13.2%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.2% to 10.8%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. Demographic models indicate that Narrogin's age structure will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 311 people (49%) from 639 to 951, while declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 85+ cohorts.