Nowra

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Nowra's population was estimated at 10,944 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 988 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,956. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 10,607 residents following examination of ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and validation of 200 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,217 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Nowra's growth of 9.9% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA4 region (4.6%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, placing Nowra in the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally, with an expected increase of 4,806 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 38.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nowra averaged approximately 78 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 390 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26 so far. Each year, these dwellings are estimated to accommodate about 2.1 new residents on average.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $374,000. This financial year has seen $41.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Nowra has slightly more development, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years.

New building activity comprises 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating diverse housing alternatives. Nowra's population is projected to grow by 4,219 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects 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 both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in Nowra is 8.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 3692 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of NSW's at 5.0%. Workforce participation in Nowra is lower at 43.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Health care & social assistance has a strong presence with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The area may not offer many local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, labour force increased by 3.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 2.3 percentage points (AreaSearch data). In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decline in employment (-0.5%), slight decrease in labour force (-0.1%), and a smaller increase in unemployment (+0.4%). State-level data from November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, slightly better than the national average of 4.3%. National employment forecasts (May-25) suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly by industry sector. Applying these projections to Nowra's 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 had a median taxpayer income of $39,767 and an average income of $48,977 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $43,290 (median) and $53,316 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Nowra all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. In Nowra, 30.4% of the population (3,326 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nowra, with only 78.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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 latest Census evaluation, 81.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 18.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra was at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Nowra was $1,500, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Nowra was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 compared to 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 32.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 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

Transport analysis shows 148 active transport stops in Nowra, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 61 unique routes, offering a total of 1,516 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located 131 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~5,075 people), compared to 49.1% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 12.9% and 11.1% of residents respectively.

55.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 22.2% (2,429 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 27.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 citizens, 84.9% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nowra, comprising 50.6% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 0.9% of Nowra's population compared to 0.5% across the rest of NSW.

Regarding ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Nowra are Australian at 30.2%, English at 29.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 8.8%. Notably, Maltese is overrepresented in Nowra at 0.4% compared to 0.6% regionally, Macedonian is also slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, and Samoan is present at 0.1% compared to 0% regionally.

Nowra's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 15.1% of Nowra's population, notably higher than the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds constitute 10.2%, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 10.4% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nowra, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 826 people (a 50% increase) from 1,652 to 2,479.