Cowra (NSW)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Cowra's population is estimated at around 10,048 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 97 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,145 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,033, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.3 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, the suburb of Cowra has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

Detail

The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations, with a solid representation of vital public service jobs and a jobless rate of 5.0%, derived from Districts calculations of regional data. In March 2026, there were 4,679 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 0.9% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while overall labor participation remains comparable to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that a modest 8.8% of the local workforce performed their jobs from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

Detail

The most recent postcode-based ATO details for the financial year 2023 show that household earnings in the neighborhood are below the national baseline, recording a median of $45,757 and an average of $53,932. This is lower than the Regional NSW figures of a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index lift of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current projections suggest values of roughly $50,479 for the median and $59,498 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, home, family, and individual earnings all sit between the 7th and 13th percentiles nationwide. In terms of earnings distribution, the largest group of residents falls into the $400 - 799 weekly range, accounting for 28.0% of the population ( people), which differs from urban centers where of people earn in the - bracket. Although housing expenses are relatively low, leaving residents with of their income, total spendable earnings sit at only the th percentile nationally.

Detail

Residential structures in the locality at the time of the latest Census consisted of 90.8% standalone houses and 9.2% other housing styles such as duplexes, units, or alternative options, compared to Regional NSW where 82.6% were houses and 17.4% were alternative structures. Home ownership levels were higher than the Regional NSW average, with 43.4% owning their homes outright, while the remaining properties were occupied by buyers with a mortgage (27.2%) or tenants (29.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was significantly below the Regional NSW average at $1,235, and the median weekly rent was $230, compared to regional figures of $1,733 and $330 respectively. On a national scale, local monthly mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the countrywide average of $375.

Detail

Families represent the majority of local households at 64.3%, consisting of 22.0% couples raising children, 29.4% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent homes. Other living arrangements make up the remaining 35.7%, with single occupants accounting for 33.5% and shared households representing 2.3% of the total. The median number of occupants per home is 2.3 people, which is slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Detail

The region presents low levels of formal academic qualifications, with university graduation rates at 13.3%, which is much lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This shows an area that could benefit from targeted learning programs. Undergraduate degrees are held by 9.7% of residents, while master degrees or higher and postgraduate diplomas are held by 1.8% and 1.8% of the community respectively. Practical and vocational training is common, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade certificate, including 9.1% with advanced diplomas and 31.0% with vocational certificates.

Detail

Public transport analysis identifies 409 active transit stops within the neighborhood, consisting of bus services. These locations are connected by 32 separate routes, which combine to support 650 passenger journeys each week. Travel access is classified as excellent, with homes generally positioned 178 meters from their closest transit stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of working residents travel outside the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 92% of commuters and 6% traveling on foot. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A minor portion of the workforce, measured at 8.8% during the 2021 Census, worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Health indicators show notable difficulties in the area, based on Districts findings regarding mortality and the frequency of ongoing medical issues across younger and older demographics alike, while the percentage of residents with private medical insurance is very low at roughly 48% of the community (~4,855 people). This is below the Regional NSW level of 51.9% and the national standard of 55.7%.

Detail

The local population has low levels of ethnic diversity compared to the national average, with 90.9% holding citizenship, 92.6% born within Australia, and 95.5% using only English in their homes. The primary religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 69.4% of the population, which is higher than the 55.9% average seen across Regional NSW.

Detail

With a median age of 46, the local population is older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age bracket is highly represented at 9.4% compared to Regional NSW, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census updates show the 15 to 24 demographic has increased from 11.1% to 11.9% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, the demographic profile is projected to adjust, with the 25 to 34 group expanding by 19% (213 people) to reach up from while the to and to groups are expected to shrink.

Detail

Cowra currently has an estimated 542 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 321 children aged 0-2 and 215 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 614 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 975. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.