Gundagai (NSW)

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Gundagai's population is estimated at around 1,736 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by Districts since the Census. This represents an increase of 37 people (2.2%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,699 people. The variation is derived from a resident population of 1,734, estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer, which offers plenty of space per resident. Gundagai's 2.2% post-census growth is within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth dynamics. Natural growth was the primary driver of population gains for the area, contributing approximately 53.0% of the overall increase during recent periods.

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Gundagai features a balanced workforce distributed between white and blue collar jobs, with strong representation in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026781 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 0.8% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, whereas workforce participation lags significantly at 54.8% compared to the Regional NSW rate of 60.6%. Census responses show that a low 7.2% of residents worked from home, although the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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The latest postcode-level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of Gundagai are below the national average, with a median of $43,396 and an average of $56,425. This compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,874 for the median and $62,248 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Gundagai all fall between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Regarding income distribution, 29.4% of the community (510 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the metropolitan region where are in the same bracket. Although housing costs are modest, leaving residents with of their income, total disposable income ranks at only the th percentile nationally.

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The dwelling mix in Gundagai at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing options), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership in Gundagai was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average at 47.5%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (24.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,211, which is well below the Regional NSW average, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $230, compared to Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Gundagai's mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 62.1% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 23.9%, couples without children at 28.1%, and single parent families at 8.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households representing 33.6% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area experiences educational challenges, as university qualification rates (15.2%) are substantially lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation presents both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (27.3%).

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Public transport analysis shows 64 active transit stops operating in Gundagai, which consist of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 19 separate routes, which provide a combined 173 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents generally living 157 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a primarily residential area, most residents commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the dominant mode of travel at 93% and walking accounting for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the influence of COVID-19 conditions.

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Gundagai faces notable health challenges, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent among both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 49% of the population (~855 people). This is lower than the 51.9% rate observed across Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

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Gundagai is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.9% of the population holding citizenship, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 75.4% of the population in Gundagai. This is higher than the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

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The median age in Gundagai is 45 years, which is slightly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and significantly older than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the 85+ cohort is highly represented (5.5% locally), while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented (10.2%). Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 13.8% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Gundagai's age structure will change significantly by . The to age cohort is projected to expand by people (), rising from to . The combined + age groups are expected to account for the entirety of the population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the area. In contrast, population declines are projected for the to and to age brackets.

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Gundagai currently has an estimated 98 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 60 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 89 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 169. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.0 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.