Harden (NSW)

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Based on reviews of ABS demographic updates covering the wider region, along with fresh address points verified by Districts since the national survey, the resident count for the suburb of Harden is calculated to be approximately 1,953 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 53 individuals (2.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 1,900 people. This adjustment is derived from the population of 1,952, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an extra 14 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 137 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and potential capacity for expanding housing. The 2.8% expansion in the suburb of Harden since the 2021 census was quicker than the wider SA3 region (2.5%), making it a regional leader in population expansion. Growth in the locality was mostly supported by arrivals from abroad, which accounted for roughly 51.0% of the overall gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Harden displays a balanced workforce distributed across manual and professional occupations, with strong representation in basic services and a jobless rate of only 3.5% according to aggregated local data. As of March 2026774 residents are employed, with the jobless rate tracking 0.6 percentage points lower than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower at 49.2% compared to 60.6% for Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a small proportion of workers (6.8%) worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of pandemic-era restrictions.

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Aggregated tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates the median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Harden was $39,472, with the average income recorded at $48,071. These levels are below national benchmarks, comparing to $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) across Regional NSW. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated values would stand at approximately $43,546 (median) and $53,032 (average) by March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Harden between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the $400 - 799 weekly bracket is the largest locally, containing 32.0% of the community (624 individuals), whereas the - range is the most common across the wider region at . A high proportion of lower-income earners ( earning under /week) points to tight household budgets. Although housing costs are low, with residents keeping of their earnings, overall disposable income ranks in just the th percentile across the country.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Harden at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.6% detached houses and 6.4% alternative dwellings like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership was high at 50.2%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (31.4%) or renting (18.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was low at $910, while the median weekly rent stood at $220, compared to Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Harden are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 61.4%, consisting of couples with children at 18.4%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single parents at 11.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with single-person households representing 36.2% and shared group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university completion rates at 11.4%, which is below the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted training programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate studies at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Practical and vocational skills are common, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.0%).

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Public transport options in the suburb of Harden consist of 17 active stops, including both train and bus services. These stops are served by 20 distinct routes, providing a total of 688 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 264 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 89%, while 10% of residents walk to work. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per household, which is lower than the regional average. A small share of residents (6.8%) worked from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses suggests significant health challenges in the suburb of Harden, with common medical conditions visible across both younger and older cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 46% of the population (~898 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Harden exhibits lower cultural diversity than average, with citizens representing 91.5% of the population, 91.5% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 72.2% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 52 years in the suburb of Harden is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is over-represented locally at 17.7%, while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 8.9% to 9.9% of the population, whereas the 65 to 74 bracket has decreased from 18.8% to 17.7%. Demographic projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the + cohort expected to grow by , adding residents to reach . Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Harden currently has an estimated 95 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 64 children aged 0-2 and 42 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 108 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 188. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.8 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.