Nowra

Population growth drivers in Nowra are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, AreaSearch estimates Nowra's population at around 10,393, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 9,956 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,286 based on June 2025 ABS ERP data and 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. Nowra's population density is approximately 1,156 persons per square kilometer. The suburb experienced a higher growth rate than both its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed about 36% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Future population trends predict exceptional growth placing Nowra in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 4,298 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 40.3% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nowra when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nowra averaged around 75 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 375 homes. As of FY26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $374,000.

This financial year has seen $41.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nowra has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas, although recent periods have shown some moderation in activity. New development consists of 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shift marks a significant change from the current 81.0% house dominance, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Nowra indicates a mature market with around 344 people per approval. Population forecasts suggest Nowra will gain 4,191 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Nowra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Mandalay Precinct Development, and Nowra Riverfront Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Nowra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Nowra has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical data, Nowra's unemployment rate is 9.4%.

As of December 2025, there are 3605 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Nowra is significantly lower at 47.2% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Based on Census responses, only 8.6% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

Notably, employment levels in health care & social assistance are at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Nowra's labour force increased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 4.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by only 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within Nowra. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Nowra's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Nowra's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Nowra is $39,767 and the average income stands at $48,977. This compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $43,871 (median) and $54,031 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Nowra all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.4% of the population (3,159 individuals) fall within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Nowra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Nowra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra was at 29.4%, with the rest mortgaged (22.9%) or rented (47.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Nowra was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.6% of all households, including 18.8% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.0% and certificates for 32.1%. Educational participation is high at 29.7%, including 11.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Nowra indicates that there are 148 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 61 individual routes serving these stops, collectively facilitating 1,516 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 131 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Nowra is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with walking accounting for 6% of journeys.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Nowra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Nowra faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% (~4,820 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.9% and 11.1% of residents respectively. However, 55.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Nowra has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,276 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

Nowra ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Nowra's cultural diversity was below average, with 84.2% being citizens, 84.9% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.6%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.9%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 0.8%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (30.2%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.8%) were the top groups. Notably, Maltese (0.4% vs regional 0.4%), Macedonian (0.1% vs 0.4%), and Samoan (0.1% vs 0.1%) showed significant divergences in representation compared to Regional NSW.

Nowra's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Nowra has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 grew from 13.6% to 15.1%, while those aged 35-44 increased from 10.4% to 11.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 declined from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nowra's age structure. Notably, the number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 49%, reaching 2,341 from 1,569.