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, Nowra's population is estimated at around 11,017. This reflects an increase of 1,061 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,956 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,607 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,225 persons per square kilometer. Nowra's growth of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 4.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 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. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Nowra in the top 10 percent of regional areas across the nation. The area is expected to grow by 4,779 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 37.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Nowra averaged approximately 78 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, around 390 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, these dwellings are estimated to accommodate about 2.1 new residents on average.

The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $374,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals totalled $41.0 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Nowra has seen slightly more development, around 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The types of new developments show a shift towards medium-density options: 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% townhouses or apartments. This is a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 81.0% houses. Nowra reflects a transitioning market with around 282 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Nowra's population will grow by 4,136 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind 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 to influence the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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

Nowra has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. In the year ending September 2025, its unemployment rate was 8.7%, showing an employment growth of 0.6%. As of September 2025, 3,708 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Rest of NSW's at 4.9% compared to 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Nowra was lower at 46.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Only 8.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment in Nowra is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level), retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.0% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Nowra increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 3.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded a decline in employment (-0.5%) and labour force (-0.1%), with a smaller increase in unemployment (0.4 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nowra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Nowra has a median taxpayer income of $39,767 and an average income of $48,977 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,290 (median) and $53,316 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Nowra all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.4% of Nowra's population earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, compared to regional trends where 29.9% earn 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, 81.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra stood at 29.4%, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 22.9% and rented ones for 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Nowra was $300, compared to Non-Metro 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 Rest of 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is 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 include a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 61 individual routes which collectively facilitate 1,516 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility 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 dominant mode of transportation remains cars 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, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 216 trips per day, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the locations of 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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 46% (around 5,109 people), compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.9% and 11.1% of residents respectively, while 55.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW.

The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. As of a specific date, Nowra has 22.0% of its residents aged 65 and over (2,423 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of the overall population.

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

Nowra, in its demographic analysis conducted on the 9th of June 2021, displayed a low level of cultural diversity. The population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 84.2%. Birthplace-wise, 84.9% were born in Australia, and English was spoken at home by 91.5% of residents.

Christianity emerged as the dominant religion, practiced by 50.6% of Nowra's inhabitants. Notably, the 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Nowra, comprising 0.9% compared to 0.8% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, Australian was the most prevalent, accounting for 30.2%, followed by English at 29.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 8.8%. Among other ethnic groups, Maltese showed notable overrepresentation in Nowra, with 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Similarly, Macedonian and Samoan communities were also slightly overrepresented at 0.1% each, differing from their respective regional averages of 0.4% and 0.1%.

Nowra's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Nowra has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.6% to 15.4%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.1% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nowra's age structure, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 46%, reaching 2,476 people from its current size of 1,696.