Gunnedah (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 Gunnedah has an estimated population of approximately 10,781 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 422 residents (4.1%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 10,359 people. The calculation is based on a resident population of 10,767, calculated by Districts through analysing the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) along with 95 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 20 persons per square kilometer, indicating a setting with substantial personal space. The 4.1% expansion of the suburb of Gunnedah since the 2021 census was higher than the SA4 region (3.6%), establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was chiefly propelled by natural growth, which accounted for roughly 55% of total population increases in recent times.

Detail

Gunnedah has a balanced job market comprising both white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence of industrial and manufacturing sectors, and an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, according to Districts compilations of statistical area figures. In March 2026, 5,825 residents are employed, which is 1.3% lower than the Regional NSW unemployment rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably high (71.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census records indicate that a low 8.5% of residents worked from their homes, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be taken into account.

Detail

The suburb of Gunnedah records a median taxpayer income of $53,456 and an average of $68,687, based on the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. This stands slightly above the national benchmark, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Incorporating a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $58,973 (median) and $75,775 (average) in March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes are positioned moderately in Gunnedah, placing between the 39th and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows the largest bracket consists of 31.0% of taxpayers earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week (3,342 residents), mirroring the metropolitan area where are situated in the same range. After meeting housing costs, of income is available for other purchases.

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Residential structures in Gunnedah, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 88.1% detached houses and 12.0% other dwelling types (including semi-detached units, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Regional NSW's distribution of 82.6% detached houses and 17.4% other dwelling types. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in Gunnedah was behind that of Regional NSW at 33.2%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (34.7%) or occupied by tenants (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was significantly lower than the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationwide, Gunnedah's mortgage payments are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also substantially below the national average of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of households at 67.4%, which includes 28.2% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.6% of households, with single-person households at 29.3% and shared households representing 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The region presents low levels of academic attainment, with university completion rates (15.1%) falling well below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This scenario presents both a developmental hurdle and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (33.6%).

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Public transit assessment indicates there are 275 transit stops available in Gunnedah, consisting of a combination of train stations and bus stops. These transit points are serviced by 38 separate routes, which together provide 775 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 217 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is mostly a residential locality, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars remaining the main transport choice at 91%. The average number of motor vehicles is 1.5 per household. A small proportion of 8.5% of workers perform their jobs from home (2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 rules).

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Health indicators point to significant challenges in Gunnedah, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the frequency of chronic illnesses, with common medical issues observed across both youth and elderly demographics, while the rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~5,831 individuals). This compares to 51.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

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Gunnedah ranks below average for multicultural indicators, with citizens making up 88.7% of the population, 93.8% of residents born within Australia, and 95.9% using only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation in Gunnedah is Christianity, representing 62.7% of the local population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Gunnedah is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and is also younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Children aged 5 - 14 are highly represented at 15.1% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 demographic is less common at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 11.7% to 12.9% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 group has contracted from 11.4% to 10.3%. Population projections for 2041 point to notable demographic transitions for the suburb of Gunnedah. Driving this change, the 45 to 54 cohort is expected to increase by ( people), rising to from . In contrast, the to group is projected to shrink by people.

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Gunnedah currently has an estimated 840 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 495 children aged 0-2 and 330 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 957 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,291. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.0 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.