Quirindi

Quirindi has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Quirindi's population is estimated at around 3,462 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 107 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,355. This growth rate of 3.2% positions Quirindi within 1.7 percentage points of its SA4 region's growth rate of 4.9%. The population density is estimated at 8.3 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 37.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch, using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022, projects Quirindi's population to decline by 153 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to increase by 52 people during this period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 153 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 52 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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

Quirindi approved 1 new dwelling annually from 2017 to 2021 inclusive, totalling 8. Rural areas like Quirindi have low development levels due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Quirindi's development levels are substantially lower than Rest of NSW and below national patterns. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the rural nature with emphasis on space. As of 2021, there were an estimated 3418 people per dwelling approval in Quirindi. Population projections indicate stability or decline, reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Quirindi should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Quirindi has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the region: Quirindi Aquatic Centre, Quipolly Water Project, Lambruk Solar Farm, and New England Highway - Willow Tree to Uralla Safety Upgrade. These are the key projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 performance in Quirindi exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Quirindi has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 2.7%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively high.

As of September 2025, 1,797 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 65.1%. Census data shows that only 11.9% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment in Quirindi are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high representation with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force increased by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points in Quirindi. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a fall in employment by 0.5% and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Quirindi's employment mix, local employment growth rates are estimated at 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Quirindi is below the national average. The median income is $46,863 and the average income stands at $55,615. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Quirindi would be approximately $51,015 (median) and $60,542 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Quirindi all fall between the 13th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows that the majority of residents, 27.3% or 945 people, earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. While housing costs are modest allowing for 87.9% of income to be retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 17th percentile nationally.

Quirindi is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Quirindi, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Quirindi was at 42.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 29.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,127, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Quirindi was $250, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Quirindi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Quirindi features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.4% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Quirindi faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Quirindi has 160 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 16 routes, providing a total of 448 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 153 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting is outward-bound due to Quirindi's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 92%, while 7% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 64 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Quirindi is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Quirindi faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,695 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and asthma (9.2%). 61.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions compared to national averages. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (27.5%, or 952 people), compared to Rest of NSW at 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Quirindi placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Quirindi, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.4% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 67.9%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (30.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.5%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Maori representation was higher at 0.4%, Scottish was slightly lower at 7.6% compared to 8.0%, and Russian representation remained similar at 0.2%.

Quirindi hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Quirindi's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 14.7% of Quirindi's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort represents 8.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 age group grew from 13.5% to 14.7%, the 5 to 14 group declined from 13.0% to 10.9%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, Quirindi's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 182 from 131. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 84% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.