Narwee

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

The population of Narwee is estimated at around 5,611 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,411 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,599 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,418 persons per square kilometer, placing Narwee in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Narwee's growth rate of 3.7% since the census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of its SA4 region's growth rate of 6.5%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 moving forward, Narwee is expected to increase by just below the median of national areas, with an estimated increase of 417 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Narwee, around 18 dwelling approvals were granted annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 93 homes. In the current financial year starting July 2021 (FY-26), 11 approvals have been recorded so far. The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $501,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, there have been $736,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Building activity shows 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 652 people per dwelling approval, Narwee reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Narwee is projected to add 405 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Narwee has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, Beverly Hills Town Centre Master Plan, Canterbury Road Mixed-Use Development - Roselands, and 956 Canterbury Road Apartment Development - Roselands. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Narwee remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Narwee has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented. The unemployment rate in Narwee is 4.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there are 2,922 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Narwee is lower at 64.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 39.9% doing so according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical sectors.

Narwee shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical employs only 9.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 4.2%, and labour force increased by 4.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Narwee. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Narwee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Narwee's median income is $43,909 and average income is $56,623. This is lower than national averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,440 (median) and $62,466 (average), based on a 10.32% increase since financial year ending June 2023. Census data from 2021 shows Narwee's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 19th and 31st percentiles. The largest income segment in Narwee is 28.9%, earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,621 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. Narwee's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Narwee displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Narwee, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 49.6% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure which comprised 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narwee stood at 26.9%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 27.9% and rented dwellings making up the majority at 45.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Narwee was $2,166, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Narwee was recorded as $354, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Narwee's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure is lower than the national average of $375.

Narwee has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households make up 69.9% of all households, consisting of 34.6% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which matches the Greater Sydney average.

Educational attainment in Narwee aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Narwee's educational qualifications trail Greater Sydney's regional benchmarks. In Narwee, 30.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills also feature prominently, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is high in Narwee, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Narwee has 40 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,995 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 133 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 75%, while train use stands at 18%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 427 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 74 weekly trips per stop.

Narwee's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Narwee. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,770 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and diabetes, impacting 6.2 and 5.7% of residents respectively. 76.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. As of 1986, the area had 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,110 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Narwee is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Narwee has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 54.0% of its residents born overseas and 63.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Narwee, making up 46.9% of the population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 7.1% versus the regional average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Narwee are Chinese (28.5%), Other (17.7%), and English (10.5%). Notably, Lebanese (5.0%) and Greek (4.9%) populations are overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's averages of 2.6% and 1.9%, respectively. Additionally, the Filipino population in Narwee is higher than the regional average at 3.8%.

Narwee's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Narwee has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narwee has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 65-74 (10.5%) and a lower proportion of those aged 35-44 (13.0%). Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 11.0% to 13.3%, while the 35-44 age group has declined from 14.7% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest Narwee's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 60%, increasing from 370 to 591 people. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and above is projected to account for 70% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 are expected to decline.