Nowra

Population growth drivers in Nowra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Nowra's population is estimated at around 10,781, reflecting an increase of 825 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 9,956 in 2021. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,451 following examination of ABS ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 200 validated new addresses since the Census date. Nowra's population density stands at 1,199 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 8.3% since 2021 exceeded its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 36.0% to Nowra's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing Nowra in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 4,778 persons, reflecting a total increase of 40.4% 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 had approximately 78 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totaling around 394 homes. As of FY26, seven approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 contributed an average of 2.1 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $374,000, lower than regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $44.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nowra records elevated construction levels, with 15.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New development consists of 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options.

With around 290 people per approval, Nowra reflects a transitioning market with population forecasts indicating growth of 4,354 residents by 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, Nowra East Public School Upgrade, Mandalay Precinct Development, and Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Nowra lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Nowra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 7.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of June 2025, 3,675 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 43.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance has particularly high representation, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force grew by 1.9%, and unemployment fell by 2.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years for Nowra, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 2022 shows Nowra's median income among taxpayers is $39,767. The average income in Nowra during this period was $48,977. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nowra's median income would be approximately $44,782 by September 2025, with the average estimated to reach around $55,153 during this period. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Nowra all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.4% of Nowra's population (3,277 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.9%. 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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra stood at 29.4%, with mortgaged properties at 22.9% and rented dwellings at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Nowra was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Nowra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 2.3.

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 prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 32.1%. Educational participation is high at 29.7%, including 11.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Nowra has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 3,824 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 922). Educational provision is split between 3 primary and 4 secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 35.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.7, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of Nowra's public transport system shows that there are currently 125 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops offer a mix of bus services. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 59, which collectively facilitate 1,517 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Nowra is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 131 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 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 age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (~5,000 people), compared to 49.3% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.9% and 11.1% of residents respectively, while 55.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in Rest of NSW.

There are 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,393 people), lower than the 27.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader 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, born in Australia (84.9%), and speaking English only at home (91.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 50.6% of Nowra's population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.9% compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (30.2%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.8%). Notably, Maltese (0.4%) was overrepresented in Nowra compared to the regional average of 0.6%, while Macedonian (0.1%) and Samoan (0.1%) showed similar representation to the region.

Nowra's median age exceeds 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, higher than the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 age group comprises 10.2%, lower than the Rest of NSW average. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.1%, the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 10.4% to 11.7%, but the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Nowra, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 849 people (52%), reaching 2,477 from its current figure of 1,627.