Koonawarra (NSW)

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Analyzing updates from the ABS for the surrounding region and address data verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Koonawarra is estimated to be approximately 3,672 in May 2026. This represents a reduction of 60 residents (1.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,732 individuals. This shift is derived from the resident population of 3,655, calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside address verification following the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 1,669 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical ratio observed across Australian locations evaluated by Districts. Recent population expansion was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 40.0% of total population increases, with other components such as overseas arrivals and natural growth also contributing positively.

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The workforce of the suburb of Koonawarra is evenly distributed between professional and manual roles, with key service industries well represented, an unemployment rate of 10.0%, and estimated job growth of 1.0% over the preceding year, compiled from statistical area data by Districts. In March 2026, there were 1,518 employed residents, while the unemployment rate stood at 5.9% higher than the rate of 4.1% recorded in Regional NSW, suggesting opportunities for labor market gains. Furthermore, the participation rate is slightly below typical levels, standing at 58.0% compared to 60.6% for Regional NSW. Census data showed a moderate 13.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of Koonawarra recorded a median income of $45,414 and an average income of $55,987. These figures sit below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average figures of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $50,101 and an average of $61,765 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Koonawarra fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution figures show that 31.8% of the population, representing 1,167 residents, earn between $1,500 and which aligns closely with Regional NSW where are in this range. Financial pressure from housing is high, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The housing stock in the suburb of Koonawarra at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.5% separate houses and 6.5% other dwelling types, including semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Koonawarra trailed the regional average, standing at 26.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (31.0%) or rented (42.3%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was identical to the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to regional figures of $1,733 and $330. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Koonawarra are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 74.6%, consisting of 26.8% couples raising children, 22.9% couples without children, and 22.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.4%, with single-occupant households representing 22.8% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 residents is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality presents educational disparities, with university graduation rates at 9.1%, which is considerably lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation presents both a difficulty and a focus area for future educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 6.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Practical and technical qualifications are common, with 42.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificate level qualifications at 34.1%.

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An analysis of public transport reveals 36 active transit stops within the suburb of Koonawarra, which are served by buses. These stops accommodate 14 different routes, delivering a combined total of 292 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 127 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of workers travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 93%. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. About 13.8% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Significant health concerns are apparent in the suburb of Koonawarra, based on analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term conditions by Districts, showing notable effects on both younger and older cohorts. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 49% of the population, which represents about 1,803 individuals. This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Koonawarra displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 88.5% of the population, 83.6% of residents born in Australia, and 93.5% of households using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.9% of residents in the suburb of Koonawarra. However, the most distinct variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of the population, matching the 0.8% figure for Regional NSW.

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The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Koonawarra is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and also younger than the Australian median of 38 years. The 25 to 34 age bracket is highly represented at 15.3% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 to 74 group is less common at 8.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 cohort expanded from 13.7% to 15.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 group grew from 5.5% to 6.7%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.1% to 11.0%. Population projections for point to significant changes in the age profile. Leading these changes, the to group is projected to expand by ( people), climbing from to . Conversely, the to and to cohorts are projected to shrink.

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Koonawarra currently has an estimated 264 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 139 children aged 0-2 and 92 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 22% by 2041 (to approximately 323 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 345. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 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.