Narrogin
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Narrogin's population is approximately 4,607 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 237 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,370. The estimated resident population was 4,603 in June 2024, with two additional validated addresses added after the Census date. As of August 2025, Narrogin's population density is 9.0 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2021 Census and August 2025, Narrogin's population growth rate was 5.4%, closely following the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

AreaSearch's projections for Narrogin are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas like Narrogin, with an expected increase of 697 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 15.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Narrogin, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Narrogin has recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 41 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY20 and FY25), and 1 so far in FY26. On average, only 0.3 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $200,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Narrogin records markedly lower building activity (52.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national averages, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 613 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Narrogin adding 693 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Narrogin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Six projects in total were identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include key projects such as Narrogin Health Service Redevelopment, Narrogin Biodiesel Plant, Narrogin Solar Farm & BESS, and Narrogin BESS Project.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Narrogin significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Narrogin has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of June 2025. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 1.2%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, but workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 56.0%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while mining employs just 1.8% of local workers compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Many Narrogin residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis.

In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 1.2% alongside a labour force decrease of 1.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 2.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Narrogin's employment growth could be approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Narrogin has below national average incomes. The median assessed income is $49,719 and the average income stands at $60,584. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $57,323 and the average income is $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes would be approximately $55,491 (median) and $67,618 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Narrogin rank modestly between the 20th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.8% of locals (1,280 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.1% fall into this range. Housing costs are modest with 87.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 25th percentile nationally.

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

Narrogin's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrogin stood at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,105. The median weekly rent in Narrogin was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Narrogin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.0% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.0%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.1%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.0% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.6%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 29.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.7% in secondary education, 11.0% in primary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. Narrogin's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,240 students. Education provision is balanced with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub with 26.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Narrogin has two operational public transport stops, both serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by three different routes in total, offering eleven weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents generally residing 1019 meters away from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data for Narrogin shows significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50%, covering about 2,303 people, compared to 52.7% across the rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (9.1%).

A total of 65.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 65.6% in the rest of WA. Narrogin has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (914 people), which is lower than the 21.7% in the rest of WA.

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's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 82.8% being citizens, 80.9% born in Australia, and 89.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Narrogin, comprising 53.5%, compared to 49.0% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (29.8%), and Scottish (6.8%).

Notably, South African (1.4%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average (0.6%), as are Dutch (1.8% vs 1.3%) and New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.9%).

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

The median age in Narrogin was 42 years as of 2021, slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and considerably older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Narrogin had a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.2%). According to the 2021 Census, Narrogin's median age decreased by 1.1 years from 43 years in the previous census, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. The key changes showed that the percentage of residents aged 25-34 increased from 11.5% to 13.9%, and those aged 15-24 increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 13.4% to 12.1%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Narrogin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase markedly by 379 people (59%) from 641 to 1,021 residents. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 85+ age cohorts.