Nowra

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Nowra is around 11,017, reflecting a growth of 1,061 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 10.7% rise from the previous count of 9,956 residents. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 10,607 residents. This results in a population density ratio of 1,225 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nowra's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.8%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Exceptional growth is predicted over this period, with the suburb expected to grow by 5,259 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 44.0% in total population over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Nowra averaged around 75 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 375 homes were approved, with another 13 in FY-26 so far. Each new home constructed attracted an average of 2.3 people over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $374,000. This year has seen $41.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Nowra's development activity per person is comparable, supporting market stability. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity.

New development consists of 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, offering medium-density options across price brackets. This shows a shift from the current housing mix of 81.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Nowra has around 338 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Nowra to grow by 4,849 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger 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 identified 15 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra Riverfront Precinct, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, and Mandalay Precinct Development. 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 Nowra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Nowra has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 9.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3,685 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.8% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Nowra is lower at 46.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census data shows that only 8.6% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries among Nowra residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Notably, health care & social assistance accounts for 1.3 times the regional level in Nowra's workforce.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.0% of Nowra's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Nowra's labour force increased by 2.2%, while employment decreased by 2.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 4.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Nowra is below national average. Median income is $39,767 while average income stands at $48,977. This contrasts with Regional NSW where median income is $52,390 and average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,290 (median) and $53,316 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Nowra fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows largest segment comprises 30.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (3,349 residents), contrasting with metropolitan region where $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nowra, with only 78.6% of income remaining, 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

In Nowra, as per the most recent Census, 81.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra stood at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Nowra was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute 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 the NSW 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, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 2.9% in 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

Nowra has 148 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 61 individual routes, collectively providing 1,516 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 131 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (90%), while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,109 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in Nowra, affecting 12.9% and 11.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,434 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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 found to be below average, with 84.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 84.9% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 50.6% of Nowra's population.

The most notable overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, which accounts for 0.9%, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.2%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.8%) are the top three represented groups. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Maltese is overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.4% regionally; Macedonian is underrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.4%; Samoan representation is similar at 0.1%.

Nowra's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 15.2% of Nowra's population, higher than Regional NSW's average, while the 65-74 year-olds comprise 10.0%, lower than the regional average. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.2% of Nowra's population, while the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 10.4% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group decreased from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Nowra, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 879 people (53%), reaching a total of 2,554 individuals.