Narrogin

Narrogin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Narrogin stands at approximately 4,562 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 192 individuals (4.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,370 residents. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,562 alongside 5 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population translates to a density of 9.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial space per resident. The post-census expansion rate of 4.4% in Narrogin is within 1.2 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (5.6%), reflecting competitive growth metrics. The population increase in this locality was mostly fueled by net overseas migration, which served as the primary contributor to population growth in recent times.

For each SA2 locality, AreaSearch applies the projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this data, and to project trends past 2032, growth rates based on age segments are sourced from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 with 2022 data. Future demographic assessments project that the region will see population expansion above the median for national non-metropolitan zones, with an expected rise of 645 individuals by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, representing a overall increase of 14.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Residential approvals in Narrogin average approximately 6 properties annually, with 31 dwellings authorized over the last 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 4 recorded during FY-26 so far. An average of 0.1 people per year relocated to the district for every new home constructed during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, suggesting that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with diverse choices and allowing room for population growth beyond predicted levels, with new constructions averaging $278,000 in value. Furthermore, commercial building approvals total $4.8 million for the current financial year, highlighting that the local market remains dominantly residential.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, Narrogin exhibits a much lower volume of development, running 51.0% below the regional per capita average. This limited rate of new construction typically maintains demand and price levels for established properties, despite a recent uptick in building activity. This rate is also below the nationwide average, illustrating the area's established status and suggesting potential planning restrictions. The composition of new builds is 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density options, maintaining the low-density character of the area with a focus on stand-alone homes that appeal to buyers wanting space. The ratio of 614 residents for each approved dwelling reflects a quiet development sector with low construction activity.

Future models indicate that Narrogin will gain 645 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If construction persists at the current pace, housing supply might struggle to satisfy the population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and boost property values.

Narrogin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, key developments, and planning schemes are critical drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects expected to influence this locality. Prominent projects include the Narrogin FutureEnergy Park, the Narrogin Health Service Redevelopment, the Narrogin Solar Farm & BESS, and the Narrogin BESS Project, with details of the most significant works listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment landscape in Narrogin presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Narrogin possesses a capable workforce, with a strong presence in essential service industries and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,338, with an unemployment rate 0.4% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, and labor force participation matching the Regional WA level of 65.6%. Census data reveals that a minimal 4.5% of the working population operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

The primary employment fields for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The region exhibits notable specialization in health care & social assistance, showing an employment concentration 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 1.8% of the local workforce, compared to 11.7% across Regional WA. Though employment options exist within the locality, a high ratio of the Census workforce relative to the resident population suggests a significant portion of the community travels to other areas for work.

AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month timeframe, the local labor force contracted by 5.1% and total employment fell by 7.1%, resulting in a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. This diverges from Regional WA, where employment decreased by 0.1%, the labor force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on prospective workforce demand in Narrogin. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation across different industries. Applying these sector projections to the local workforce mix suggests that employment in Narrogin will grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that incomes in the Narrogin SA2 fall below national benchmarks, recording a median of $53,186 and an average of $63,159. This compares to a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the estimated figures stand at approximately $58,999 for the median and $70,062 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Narrogin are relatively low, falling between the 19th and 33rd percentiles. The household income distribution shows the largest group, representing 27.8% of residents (1,268 people), falls in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to metropolitan areas where 31.1% are in this range. Although local housing costs are low, with residents keeping 87.7% of their earnings, total disposable income sits in the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Residential dwelling types in Narrogin at the time of the last Census consisted of 91.3% separate houses and 8.7% other housing formats such as semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in Narrogin were considerably higher than the Regional WA average at 37.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 30.0% and rental homes accounting for 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,170 was well below the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $240 compared to $265 in the wider region. Nationally, Narrogin's mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 61.0%, consisting of couples with children at 21.4%, couples without children at 27.1%, and single-parent households at 11.6%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.0%, with single-person households representing 36.1% and group homes making up 2.6%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The region presents educational challenges, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (17.1%) tracking well below the national figure of 30.4%. This highlights both a deficiency and an opportunity for targeted academic programs. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 13.5%, graduate diplomas account for 2.0%, and postgraduate degrees make up 1.6%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 29.2%.

Enrolment rates are high, with 30.9% of the population participating in formal education. This group comprises 11.7% in secondary schools, 11.0% in primary schools, and 2.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport data shows 2 active transit stops in Narrogin, consisting of bus services. These stops support 3 distinct routes that run a combined total of 11 passenger trips per week. Transport access is classified as limited, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 1019 meters. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of transport at 89% and walking at 7%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.4, which is lower than the regional average. A low share of 4.5% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

Service frequency is low, averaging 1 trips per day across the routes, which translates to roughly 5 departures per week from each transit stop.

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

Health assessments indicate notable issues in Narrogin based on mortality statistics and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across young and old age groups, with private health insurance coverage sitting at a relatively low rate of approximately 50% of the population (~2,303 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues in the area, affecting 9.4% and 9.1% of the community respectively, while 65.1% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents of working age experience chronic health issues at rates above average. Individuals aged 65 and older represent 20.2% of the population (921 people), showing health challenges that rank higher than national averages.

In terms of cultural diversity, Narrogin records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Narrogin displays cultural diversity levels comparable to the regional average, with citizenship at 82.8%, Australian-born residents at 80.9%, and English-only speakers at home at 89.3%. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 53.5% of the population, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

In terms of ancestral backgrounds, the top three lineages reported in Narrogin are English at 31.9%, Australian at 29.8%, and Scottish at 6.8%. There are also specific differences in other ancestries relative to the region: South Australian heritage is higher at 1.4% of the population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Dutch is at 1.8% (compared to 1.5%), and New Zealand ancestry is at 1.0% (compared to 0.9%).

Narrogin's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 42 years in Narrogin is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and noticeably older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Narrogin has a higher proportion of youth aged 15 - 24 (13.8%) but a lower share of adults aged 35 - 44 (11.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 demographic expanded from 11.5% to 14.8% of the population, and the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 12.8% to 13.8%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 demographic fell from 12.2% to 10.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 12.3% to 11.0%. Projections to 2041 indicate shifts in the local age profile, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 49% (327 people) from 674 to 1,002, whereas the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to contract.