Cobar (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Cobar has an estimated residency of approximately 3,584 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 19 people (0.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,603 people. This trend is deduced from the resident population of 3,584, calculated by Districts after assessing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) along with address verification following the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, which ensures a generous amount of space for each resident. Over the preceding ten years, the suburb of Cobar has shown stable growth trajectories with a -1.3% compound annual growth rate, ahead of the SA3 area. Population gains in the area were chiefly driven by natural growth, which accounted for roughly 71.0% of overall population increases in recent times.

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Cobar features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,769 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (65.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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As per Districts' latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Cobar's median income among taxpayers is $61,851, with an average of $75,331. This is well above average nationally, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,234 (median) and $83,105 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($937 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 32.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly ( residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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Dwelling structure within Cobar, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cobar was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 34.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (36.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,109, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Cobar's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 64.5% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality encounters educational hurdles, with university graduation rates (14.7%) falling well below the NSW average of 32.2%. This constitutes both a difficulty and a chance for focused educational campaigns. Bachelor degrees constitute the largest share at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Technical and trade expertise is prominent, with 43.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding professional credentials – advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.5%).

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Public transit assessment shows 91 active transport locations in service within the suburb of Cobar, consisting of a combination of rail and bus options. These stations are connected to 7 distinct routes, which combine to offer 79 weekly passenger journeys. Commuting connectivity is classified as outstanding, with residents typically living 131 meters from their closest transit stop. As a majorly residential locality, the bulk of residents commute outward - private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 90%, while 8% of people walk. Vehicle ownership numbers average 1.4 per household. A low 4.5% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which might reflect COVID-19 rules.

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Health datasets show notable challenges facing the suburb of Cobar, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and chronic ailment rates, with the presence of widespread medical conditions notable among both youth and senior groups, and the proportion of private health insurance found to be extremely high at roughly 57% of the entire population (~2,031 people). This compares to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW.

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The suburb of Cobar displays below-average scores for cultural diversity, with 80.0% of the population holding citizenship, 90.7% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation in the area is Christianity, representing 64.1% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The 36-year median age in Cobar is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 similarly somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.2% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 5.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cobar. Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Cobar currently has an estimated 290 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 170 children aged 0-2 and 113 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 224 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 397. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.