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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of South Nowra is estimated at around 3710 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 545 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3165. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 3594 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 445 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 430 persons per square kilometer. South Nowra's growth rate of 17.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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 forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with South Nowra expected to increase by 1617 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 40.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in South Nowra shows approximately 50 new homes approved annually since FY-21. Totaling 251 homes over the past five financial years, with 15 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Assuming an average of 1 new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand appear balanced, maintaining stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $374,000.

This financial year has seen $23.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South Nowra's new home approvals per person are 137.0% higher, offering buyers ample choice, although recent construction activity has eased. This level is above national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, diversifying housing options from spacious family homes to more affordable compact choices. This shift contrasts with the existing housing stock, which is currently 89.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. South Nowra's population growth is projected to add 1,501 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting further growth beyond projections.

Population forecasts indicate South Nowra will gain 1,501 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. Notable projects include Shoalhaven 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.

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AreaSearch assessment positions South Nowra ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

South Nowra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of December 2025, 1,559 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.8% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 58.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 8.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area had a strong specialization in public administration & safety (2.2 times the regional level) but 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 above-average employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, while the labour force rose by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, projected national employment growth of 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.

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 for financial year ending June 2023, South Nowra had a median income among taxpayers of $59,579 and an average income of $73,377. These figures are higher than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $64,858 and average income would be around $79,878 by the latter date. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South Nowra are at the 53rd percentile nationally. The majority of residents, 39.6% or 1,469 people, fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, which is also dominant in the broader area where 29.9% of residents occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Nowra, 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 5th 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, as per the latest Census, were 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Nowra was 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. Median weekly rent in South Nowra was $398, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, South Nowra's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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 the 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 494 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 171 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside South Nowra, with cars being the primary 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 be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 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 substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while asthma affects 8.9%. Approximately 65.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Private health cover is high at around 56%, or approximately 2,074 people, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Only 13.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (482 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly inline 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's cultural diversity was below average, with 88.0% citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated South Nowra's religious landscape at 49.5%. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW (3.9% vs 0.8%).

Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.9%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.0%). Notable divergences included Maltese (0.7% vs regional 0.4%), Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.2%), and Indian (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 32 years, notably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, South Nowra has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 years has grown from 15.1% to 17.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 16.6% to 18.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 10.0% to 8.9%. By 2041, South Nowra is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 48%, reaching 1,001 people from a starting point of 675.