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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in West Nowra is $765k, with units at $650k. House values have moved 5.0% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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West Nowra has an estimated 1,581 residents, up from 1,504 at the 2021 Census — a change of 77 people, or 5.1%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. That puts 443 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
West Nowra has an estimated population of 1,581 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of the newest ABS population figures and validated new address listings. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted ,1504 residents, this represents an expansion of 77 people (5.1%). This estimate is calculated from a base resident count of 1,566 drawn from the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 53 verified address additions since the Census. The density stands at 442 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density and permits future building options.
With a 5.1% growth rate, the suburb of West Nowra outpaced both the broader SA4 region (3.1%) and the SA3 area, leading its territory in expansion. Net gains were heavily influenced by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 36.0% of the growth, although natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions. Future population outlooks are calculated using 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia projections built on a 2022 baseline, supplemented where necessary by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 models using a 2021 baseline. Projected age brackets are extended out to the years 2032 through 2041. The suburb of West Nowra is anticipated to experience exceptional growth that ranks in the top 10 percent of all non-metropolitan locations in the nation. It is expected to grow by 654 residents by 2041, which translates to a total increase of 40.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
22 new dwellings have been approved in West Nowra over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 2.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An analysis of ABS building approvals allocated to local levels reveals that West Nowra averages about 4 new home approvals annually, with 22 residential units approved over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been documented. The average construction cost for these new dwellings is $374,000, and they house an average of 2.7 new occupants per dwelling based on the period spanning FY-21 to FY-25, suggesting healthy demand that helps sustain local property values. Commercial building approvals total $1.4 million for the current financial year, representing very low commercial construction activity.
Compared against the Rest of NSW, West Nowra exhibits a low rate of construction, falling 59.0% below the regional per capita benchmark. This constrained supply pipeline tends to support values and demand for existing houses, even though building pace has risen recently. Building volumes also lag behind national benchmarks, indicating a mature market and potential development limits. The recent housing mix consists of 60.0% detached homes and 40.0% medium-to-high density formats, with townhouses and apartments offering cheaper options alongside traditional houses. This represents a clear shift from the current profile, where houses make up 89.0% of stock, pointing to a scarcity of greenfield land and shifting buyer budgets and lifestyles. The area averages 241 people per new residential approval, characteristic of low-density environments. Projections indicate that West Nowra will add 639 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly calculations. If building rates remain unchanged, housing production might fall short of population gains, which could heighten buyer competition and stimulate price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Nowra
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside West Nowra, worth an estimated $11 million. A further 40 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.57 billion. 11 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. There are 7 projects identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent developments include the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment, Mundamia Urban Release Area, Evergreen Rise Estate, and the South Nowra Surcharge Main Upgrade, with key details provided for the most relevant projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mundamia Urban Release Area
The Mundamia Urban Release Area is a residential development providing up to 720 dwellings with a mix of housing types, community facilities, and open spaces. Recent updates include funding for water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades to support development and prepare for increased demand.
Nowra Showground Enhancements - Horse and Cattle Precinct
Upgrading facilities at the Nowra Showground's Horse and Cattle Precinct to support growing agricultural events, expand cattle exhibitions, attract other breeds and livestock, and improve disabled access for inclusive tourism.
Nowra East Public School Upgrade
NSW Government upgrade of Nowra East Public School including 11 new permanent classrooms with 3 support classrooms, expansion of the preschool from 20 to 40 places, additional support teaching facilities, new playgrounds and sensory play areas, accessibility improvements, landscaping and air conditioning upgrades to existing buildings. Planning approval was granted in December 2025, Patterson Building Group was appointed as builder and construction commenced in early 2026.
Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
The $440 million redevelopment is transforming Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital into a regional health hub. Key features include a new seven-storey Acute Services Building, the facility's first-ever MRI service, an expanded Emergency Department, a new Intensive Care Unit, and doubled operating theatres. As of May 2026, construction is in the final stages with the MRI machine recently craned into place. The new acute building is on track for completion and clinical handover in mid-2026, followed by refurbishments of existing spaces to be completed through 2027.
Evergreen Rise Estate
A residential development offering house and land packages and vacant lots (501m2 - 1,475m2) in South Nowra. Stage 2 is currently selling, with an estimated land registration (titling) date of January 2026. The estate is a 63-lot residential subdivision combining rural and urban living. Located close to shops, schools, and sports grounds, the development is being marketed with lots available for building dream homes.
Mandalay Precinct Development
State-significant rezoning of 2.75 hectares of Homes NSW land in the Mandalay Sub-Precinct in Nowra, finalised in June 2026. The rezoning enables approximately 537 social, affordable and private dwellings in buildings up to six storeys high, with design excellence requirements for taller buildings. At least 30% of dwellings on Homes NSW land will be social and affordable housing. Located within 200 metres of Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, schools, parks and public transport, the precinct forms part of the broader Nowra Riverfront revitalisation.Shoalhaven City Council is now preparing a Development Control Plan to guide detailed design ahead of future development applications.
Tovedale Developments Estates
Multiple residential estates by locally owned Tovedale Developments (Druce DP Group). Past developments include 300-lot Twin Waters estate at South Nowra and 140-lot Carrington Heights estate. Contributing to regional housing supply.
New Primary School and Preschool at Nowra
New primary school and public preschool for South Nowra/Worrigee area to meet growing demand from residential development. Part of $8.9 billion NSW education infrastructure program.
753 residents of West Nowra are employed, from a labour force of 772. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 63.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,308, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Based on local statistical data, West Nowra features a diverse labour force of white-collar and blue-collar workers, with strong representation in public service sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.5%, and stable employment patterns over the past year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 753, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.6% lower than the Regional NSW mark of 4.1%. Participation in the workforce is 63.1%, slightly above the Regional NSW benchmark of 60.6%. Census figures indicate that a low 5.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The suburb shows a strong specialization in public administration & safety, employing residents at 1.7 times the regional average rate. Conversely, the agricultural, forestry & fishing sector has a minimal footprint at 0.9% compared to 5.3% regionally. Comparing census job counts to the resident labour pool suggests the area offers limited local employment options. Local labour data indicates that for the 12 months ending March 2026, the overall workforce grew by 1.0% while employment numbers contracted by 0.1%, resulting in a 1.2 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the workforce, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term national employment projections from May-25 offer additional context. Although national employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local workforce mix suggests West Nowra's employment base will expand by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, using a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in West Nowra is $1,493 a week (about $78,000 a year), with median personal income at $750 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,837 a year against an average of $66,305. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Incomes in the suburb of West Nowra are slightly lower than the national average, according to 2023 financial year tax data. The median income for local taxpayers is $53,837 and the average is $66,305, compared to Regional NSW statistics of $52,390 for median and $65,215 for average. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $59,393 and an average of $73,148 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household, family, and personal incomes in the 35th to 38th percentiles.
About 40.6% of residents (641 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, compared to 29.9% in the wider metropolitan region. Housing costs are substantial, leaving residents with only 81.6% of their income, which ranks in the 32nd percentile for affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
West Nowra had 560 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 1% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,707 a month. Rent absorbs 23.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, West Nowra's housing stock consisted of 88.7% detached houses and 11.3% other home types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership rates lag behind the regional average, with fully owned homes at 25.8%, mortgaged properties at 35.1%, and rental properties at 39.1%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,707, lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while weekly rent was $350, higher than the regional benchmark of $330. Nationally, West Nowra's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
West Nowra counted 560 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 589 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 72.5% of households, consisting of couples with children at 27.5%, couples without children at 23.8%, and single parents at 19.8%. Non-family households represent the remaining 27.5%, with single-person households making up 23.6% and group houses accounting for 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.0% of adults in West Nowra hold a university qualification, including 7.4% with a bachelor degree and 2.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 81% of areas nationally. A further 35.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment is low, with 11.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 47.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 35.3%. Enrolment rates are high, with 29.9% of residents participating in education. This comprises 11.4% in primary schools, 6.7% in high schools, and 3.6% in tertiary study.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around West Nowra means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 13 active transit stops in West Nowra offering bus services across 8 separate routes, which combine to deliver 70 weekly passenger trips. Local transit access is strong, with residents living an average of 190 meters from their nearest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, the vast majority of workers travel outside the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 95% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A low 5.0% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic lockdowns.
Transit routes average 10 daily trips in total, which translates to roughly 5 passenger trips per week at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.3% of residents in West Nowra report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 94% of areas nationally. 7.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
West Nowra faces notable public health challenges, as indicated by mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across young and old groups, while the rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the SA2 average at approximately 53% of residents (~840 people). The most prevalent health issues are mental health conditions and arthritis, which affect 10.8% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.3% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents experience high rates of chronic health conditions. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 12.2% of the population (192 people), below the Regional NSW average of 23.4%.
Senior health outcomes align closely with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
West Nowra is largely Australian-born, at 91.5% of residents, with 4.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.2%) and English (29.8%). 10.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The population shows low cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.8% of the community, 91.5% of residents born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 48.8% of residents. The most pronounced overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.0% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW. The most common ancestries are Australian at 34.2%, English at 29.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.3%, which is much higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Other ancestries show small variations from regional averages: Macedonian makes up 0.3% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Spanish accounts for 0.5% (compared to 0.3%), and Maltese is 0.5% (compared to 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Nowra is 32, younger than 86% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 32.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 32 years in West Nowra is younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb has a larger proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (18.2%) but fewer seniors aged 65 - 74 (7.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 16.7% to 18.2% and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.4% to 12.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 10.0% to 8.7%. Significant changes are expected by 2041, led by the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is projected to grow by 52% (148 people) to reach 436 from 287.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for West Nowra
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 53 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,504 at the 2021 Census → 1,581 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL14265). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.