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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in North Nowra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of North Nowra is estimated at around 5,876 people. This figure reflects an increase of 20 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,856 persons. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,875 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 574 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. North Nowra's growth rate of 0.3% since the census places it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.
AreaSearch is adopting 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 where applicable, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 721 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.2% in total over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in North Nowra according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
North Nowra recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 76 homes. As of June 2026, 27 approvals have been recorded. The average construction cost value for new homes is $415,000, slightly above the regional average. In comparison to Rest of NSW, North Nowra has markedly lower building activity, with 63.0% fewer approvals per person.
This financial year, $5.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a primarily residential area. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium to high-density housing. Population forecasts suggest North Nowra will gain 720 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.
Population forecasts indicate North Nowra will gain 720 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around North Nowra
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
North Nowra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Thirteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Landcom Bomaderry Build-to-Rent Apartments, The Yards at Bomaderry, upgrade of Bomaderry High School, and redevelopment of SCaRP - Bomaderry Sporting Complex.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
The $440 million redevelopment is transforming Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital into a regional health hub. Key features include a new seven-storey Acute Services Building, the facility's first-ever MRI service, an expanded Emergency Department, a new Intensive Care Unit, and doubled operating theatres. As of May 2026, construction is in the final stages with the MRI machine recently craned into place. The new acute building is on track for completion and clinical handover in mid-2026, followed by refurbishments of existing spaces to be completed through 2027.
Nowra Riverfront Precinct
A major urban rejuvenation initiative for 6.1 hectares of land along the Shoalhaven River, encompassing the Nowra Riverfront Precinct (3.4 ha state-led rezoning between Bridge Road, Hyam Street and Scenic Drive) and the adjacent Mandalay Sub-Precinct (2.7 ha, led by Homes NSW). Combined, the two rezoning proposals would unlock about 914 new homes, including roughly 100 social and affordable dwellings on Homes NSW-owned land and key worker housing for the upgraded Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital. New building heights of 20 to 44 metres (5 to 12 storeys) are proposed for the Riverfront sub-precincts and 3 to 6 storeys for Mandalay. The project also enables boatsheds along Scenic Drive, new riverfront cafes and restaurants, and improved pedestrian links between the Nowra CBD and the Shoalhaven River. Both rezoning proposals were on public exhibition from 19 November to 17 December 2025 and feedback is now being reviewed before a final proposal is sent to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. A complementary Open Space Master Plan is progressing in parallel, with a Principal Design Consultant to be engaged in May 2026 to prepare detailed designs.
Moss Vale Road North Urban Release Area (Badagarang)
A 266-hectare master planned community in the new suburb of Badagarang, designed to deliver between 2,000 and 2,500 new homes. The project features a local shopping centre, diverse housing types ranging from 300sqm to 1,000sqm lots, and a network of open spaces including 'Runway Street Park'. Infrastructure works include new wastewater systems, a water reservoir at Cambewarra, and the Far North Collector Road. Detailed planning via Shoalhaven DCP 2014 Chapter NB4 was finalized in late 2025, with early-stage infrastructure and residential delivery extending through 2035-2041.
The Yards, Bomaderry
The Yards is a major mixed-use master-planned community on an 8.2-hectare site. It is designed to deliver 198 dwellings, including 55 dedicated affordable housing units (approximately 28% of the total). The project features a 'Village High Street' with a medical center, childcare facility, retail spaces, a potential new Bowls Club, and extensive green spaces with sustainable stormwater management. It aims to address the housing crisis in the Shoalhaven region by providing a variety of housing typologies from studios to four-bedroom homes.
Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning
Major urban renewal project transforming 3.4 hectares of waterfront land into a mixed-use precinct. The State-assessed rezoning proposal (announced March 2025) will enable up to 270 new homes in the Hyam Street, Scenic Drive, and Bridge Road sub-precincts, mid-rise residential development up to 23 metres, a flagship riverfront park, boardwalk, public realm improvements, leisure facilities, commercial spaces (cafes and accommodation), active transport links, and incorporation of Aboriginal cultural design principles via the Designing with Country Framework. $5 million Federal funding secured for masterplanning and enabling infrastructure. The project reconnects Nowra city centre with the Shoalhaven River, strengthening its role as the regional civic, community, tourism, and recreational hub. (Note: Separate Mandalay Precinct rezoning by Homes NSW may deliver additional housing but is not part of this core riverfront precinct proposal.)
Nowra Bridge Project - Princes Highway Upgrade
The major works of the Nowra Bridge project are completed. This included construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Shoalhaven River for northbound traffic, reconfiguration of the existing 1981 bridge for three southbound lanes, and intersection upgrades along 1.7 km of the Princes Highway to enhance traffic flow and safety. The new bridge opened to traffic in February 2023. Finishing work was completed in October 2024. Separate work has commenced on repurposing the historic 1881 bridge for a pedestrian and cyclist path, expected to take around two to three years to complete, starting from November 2024.
Bomaderry High School Upgrade
Major upgrade including new building with administration facilities and Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) workshops and classrooms, upgrade of existing kitchen to VET standard, and refurbishment of almost 50 existing classrooms and staffrooms.
Mandalay Precinct Development
Major residential redevelopment proposal to rezone the Mandalay precinct to deliver up to 380 new homes, comprising approximately 260 social and affordable homes and 120 private dwellings. The project focuses on key worker housing for staff at the adjacent Shoalhaven Hospital following its major redevelopment. The planning proposal is being assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure under state significant status to fast-track delivery.
Employment
The employment environment in North Nowra shows above-average strength when compared nationally
North Nowra has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 2,639 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation in North Nowra is 56.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force increased by 2.1%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2% and labour force decline by 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within North Nowra. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to North Nowra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows North Nowra had a median income among taxpayers of $48,349 and an average level of $59,212. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). As of March 2026, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $53,339 (median) and $65,323 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in North Nowra rank modestly between the 27th and 29th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 33.5% of locals (1,968 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Nowra, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
North Nowra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In North Nowra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Nowra stood at 38.0%, similar to Regional NSW, with mortgaged properties making up 33.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,719, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in North Nowra was $380, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, North Nowra's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
North Nowra has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households account for 70.9% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in North Nowra fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 20.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
North Nowra has 88 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 215 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 157 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in North Nowra. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in North Nowra is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
North Nowra faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.
Approximately 50% (~2,960 people) of North Nowra's total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.4 and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. North Nowra has 21.5% (1,263 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are broadly in line with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
North Nowra ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
North Nowra, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing conducted on 9 August 2016, showed lower than average cultural diversity. The majority of its population were born in Australia, with 84.4%, and held citizenship at 90.0%. English was predominantly spoken at home by 93.2% of residents.
Christianity was the leading religion, comprising 49.7% of North Nowra's population. Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, with 0.1% versus 0.1%, respectively. The top three ancestry groups were English at 31.3%, Australian at 30.5%, and Irish at 8.1%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences in representation: Australian Aboriginal was higher at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 4.6%, Hungarian was slightly overrepresented at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Welsh were also somewhat more prevalent at 0.6% compared to the regional figure of 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
North Nowra's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
North Nowra's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equal to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.1% of North Nowra's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.2%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional NSW. Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has risen from 10.0% to 11.3%, while the 35-44 group increased from 12.0% to 13.2%. However, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in North Nowra's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 26%, adding 211 people and reaching 1,040 from the current 828. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.