South Nowra

South Nowra lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of South Nowra is estimated at around 4,037 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 872 people (27.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,165 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,020 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 445 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 468 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. South Nowra's 27.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.1%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Examining future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,764 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 43.3% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Nowra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows South Nowra has seen around 50 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 251 homes. So far in FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents are associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals amount to $23.1 million this financial year.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, South Nowra has 120.0% higher new home approvals per person. New development consists of 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments. Population forecasts indicate South Nowra will gain 1,747 residents by 2041.

Population forecasts indicate South Nowra will gain 1,747 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment, South Nowra Surcharge Main Upgrade, Evergreen Rise Estate, and Worrigee Road Subdivision. 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 assessment positions South Nowra ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

South Nowra has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of December 2021, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.7%.

As of December 2025, 1,957 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 64.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Only 8.8% of residents worked from home, according to Census responses in 2016, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

South Nowra had a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.1% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7% and labour force increased by 7.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Nowra's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, South Nowra had a median income among taxpayers of $59,579. The average income stood at $73,377. This is above the national average of $52,390 for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,728 (median) and $80,950 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household incomes in South Nowra cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. The data shows that 39.6% of residents (1,598 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

South Nowra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Nowra's dwelling structures in its latest Census report comprised 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Nowra stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.6% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in South Nowra was recorded at $398, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, South Nowra's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

South Nowra has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.0% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in South Nowra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, 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 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Nowra has 49 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by 39 different routes, offering a total of 494 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 171 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Bus services operate an average of 70 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Nowra is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

South Nowra faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~2,257 people) having it, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.1 and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of a certain date (not specified), 15.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (617 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

South Nowra was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in South Nowra, comprising 49.5% of people. However, Hinduism shows significant overrepresentation, making up 3.9% compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.9%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.0%). Notably, Maltese (0.7%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Indian at 3.3% (vs 0.6%).

South Nowra's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in South Nowra is 33 years, significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and substantially below the national average of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.9% locally compared to Regional NSW's average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 7.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.1% to 17.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 8.4% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 16.0% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in South Nowra, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 52%, reaching 1,036 people from its current total of 682.