Nowra Hill

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Nowra Hill is around 2,167 people, reflecting an increase of 26 individuals since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.2% growth from the previous figure of 2,141 residents. AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and subsequent address validation supports this estimate. The population density is approximately 63 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, ending in 2025, Nowra Hill has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed around 36% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, for covered areas. For uncovered SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, Nowra Hill is expected to experience exceptional growth, ranking it among the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 1,033 persons, reflecting a total gain of 52% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Nowra Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

Nowra Hill naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of NSW. Development levels are likewise under national averages.

Nowra Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include South Nowra Surcharge Main Upgrade, Cabbage Tree Lane Urban Release Area, Evergreen Rise Estate, and Mundamia Urban Release Area. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Nowra Hill performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Nowra Hill has a skilled workforce with the essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 0.8% in June 2025, reflecting an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025775 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Nowra Hill lagged significantly at 39.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents comprised public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance.

Notably, the area had a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 4.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 9.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%. With 2.4 workers for every resident as per the Census, Nowra Hill functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Nowra Hill. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Nowra Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.7% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this extrapolation is illustrative and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year ending June 2022 shows Nowra Hill's median income among taxpayers was $60,154. The average income was $74,084. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since June 2022, current estimates for Nowra Hill would be approximately $67,739 (median) and $83,426 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Nowra Hill cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 35.9% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (777 residents), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses.

Nowra Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Nowra Hill, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nowra Hill stood at 45.0%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 46.4%, while rented dwellings made up 8.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Nowra Hill averaged $285, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $350. Nationally, Nowra Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Conversely, rents in Nowra Hill were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nowra Hill features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.7% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.3%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Nowra Hill shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 56.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (44.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 52.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 20.4% in secondary education, 15.5% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education. Educational provision includes Nowra Hill Public School and William Campbell College, collectively serving 149 students as of the latest data (ICSEA: 932). Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There are 6.9 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 12.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Nowra Hill shows that there are 31 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 19 individual routes providing service to the area. This results in 163 weekly passenger trips collectively across all routes.

The accessibility of transport in the region is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 330 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Nowra Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Nowra Hill residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~1,217 people) have private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of NSW's 49.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.5 and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 68.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 9.9% (214 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NSW's 27.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Nowra Hill is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Nowra Hill had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 58.5% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nowra Hill, accounting for 56.6% of the population, compared to 52.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.2%), New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Maltese (0.7% vs 0.6%) groups were overrepresented in Nowra Hill compared to the regional averages.

Nowra Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nowra Hill is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.2% of the population in Nowra Hill, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 16.8% to 18.1% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 19.0% to 20.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 7.5% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Nowra Hill, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 65%, reaching 722 people from its current figure of 437.