Coonabarabran (NSW)

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According to ABS population releases for the wider region alongside recent address validations by Districts, the suburb of Coonabarabran has an estimated residency of 3,479 as of May 2026. This indicates a minor addition of 2 people (0.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 3,477 residents. This updated figure of 3,479 is calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 10 validated new addresses added after the Census. This population level yields a density of 3.6 persons per square kilometer, which ensures a spacious living environment. The post-census growth rate of 0.1% in the suburb of Coonabarabran is 2.7 percentage points below the 2.8% recorded across the SA4 region, showing competitive expansion. Gains in population during this timeframe were almost entirely supported by overseas migration.

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Data aggregated by Districts reveals that the suburb of Coonabarabran has a balanced workforce distributed between blue and white-collar occupations, with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. Employment figures for March 2026 show 1,382 residents working, with an unemployment rate that is 0.1% lower than the 4.1% regional average for Regional NSW, though the participation rate of 49.1% is considerably lower than the 60.6% seen across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 11.1% of workers commuted from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Based on aggregated ATO postcode statistics from the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Coonabarabran recorded a median income of $43,176 and an average income of $53,066. These figures are below national benchmarks and compare to averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $47,632 for median earnings and $58,542 for average earnings as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places personal, family, and household incomes in the suburb of Coonabarabran at the 10th percentile nationally. The data shows that 28.2% of the local population (981 individuals) earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from the regional pattern where the - bracket is largest at . Local residents retain of their income due to low housing expenses, yet overall disposable income ranks only in the th percentile across Australia.

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Census data shows that housing in the suburb of Coonabarabran consists of 94.4% separate houses and 5.6% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses make up 82.6% and other dwellings comprise 17.4%. Home ownership is high at 49.4%, with mortgaged properties representing 25.6% and rented properties accounting for 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,000 and the median weekly rent was $210, both significantly below the Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. These housing costs are also much lower than the national averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for weekly rent.

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Families comprise 65.7% of all households in the suburb of Coonabarabran, with couples without children making up 31.2%, couples with children at 19.5%, and single parents at 13.6%. Non-family households represent 34.3% of the total, consisting mostly of single-person households at 32.5% and group living situations at 2.0%. The average household size is 2.3 individuals, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational outcomes show some disparities, with the proportion of residents holding university degrees sitting at 16.3%, which is much lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy highlights an area for targeted educational development. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are widespread, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, including advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 31.5%.

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Local transit analysis shows a network of 165 active bus and train stops operating in the suburb of Coonabarabran. These facilities are served by 22 unique routes that provide a combined total of 169 passenger trips per week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 213 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is predominantly residential, and most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 90%, followed by walking at 8%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low proportion of 11.1% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health indicators in the suburb of Coonabarabran highlight several areas of concern, based on Districts assessments of local mortality rates and the prevalence of long-term health issues across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with only about 48% of residents (~1,669 people) covered, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Demographic records show lower levels of cultural diversity in the suburb of Coonabarabran, where 83.4% of the population are citizens, 92.3% were born within Australia, and 96.4% use only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 63.8% of the local population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of residents in the suburb of Coonabarabran is 50, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and well above the national median of 38. The local population features a large proportion of residents aged 85 and over at 5.9%, contrasting with a smaller cohort aged 25 to 34 at 8.2%. Between Census periods, the 75 to 84 age bracket grew from 9.2% to 10.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.6% to 10.0%. Modeling indicates the age structure will shift considerably by 2041, with the group aged 85 and over projected to expand by 61 people (30%), growing from to . This aging trend is highlighted by the expectation that the combined cohorts aged and over will represent of net growth, while declines are forecast for residents aged to and to .

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Coonabarabran currently has an estimated 184 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 115 children aged 0-2 and 77 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 164 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 311. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.