Narrabri (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Narrabri has an estimated population of 7,361 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 34 people (0.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,327 residents. This change is calculated from the resident population of 7,361, which was estimated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP data release (June 2025) alongside 38 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 5.7 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Narrabri has shown steady growth trends with a -0.6% compound annual growth rate, which was faster than the SA3 area. The population expansion was mostly driven by natural increase, which made up approximately 65.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Narrabri has a balanced labor force that includes both professional and manual workers across a range of industries, with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,250 residents are employed. This unemployment rate is 0.8% below the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, while labor force participation is exceptionally high at 73.2% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a small proportion of residents, 9.6%, worked from home, although the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for the financial year 2023, the suburb of Narrabri has a median taxpayer income of $52,900 and an average of $62,791. This sits below the national average, contrasting with a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at approximately $58,359 for the median and $69,271 for the average as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Narrabri are all modest, ranking between the 40th and 54th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.6% of the population, representing 2,326 individuals, earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which aligns with the broader metropolitan trend of in this bracket. Housing costs are manageable, with residents retaining of their income, though disposable income is below average at the th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing composition in the suburb of Narrabri consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative options, compared to Regional NSW's breakdown of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Narrabri was lower than the regional average, standing at 34.4%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged at 32.7% or rented at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment was significantly lower than the Regional NSW average at $1,448, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $260, compared to regional figures of $1,733 and $330 respectively. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Narrabri are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is also well below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 68.1%, consisting of 26.4% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households representing 29.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the average for Regional NSW.

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The suburb of Narrabri experiences educational disparities, with university graduation rates of 15.5% sitting significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a clear challenge as well as a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications from vocational institutions, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 30.6%.

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Analysis of public transport options shows 159 active transit stops in the suburb of Narrabri, consisting of a combination of train and bus facilities. These stops are served by 33 unique routes, which provide a total of 362 weekly passenger services. Accessibility to transit is considered good, with residents living an average of 237 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a mostly residential area, the majority of residents travel outside the suburb for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 91%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.5. A relatively low proportion of residents, 9.6%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which might reflect conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Health assessments indicate significant challenges in the suburb of Narrabri, based on Districts analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common medical issues notable across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 52% of the population, which represents about 3,811 people.

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The suburb of Narrabri displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 89.9% of the population, 94.7% of residents born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 65.2% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age in the suburb of Narrabri is 39, which is much lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and very close to the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Narrabri has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 at 13.8%, but fewer residents in the 65 - 74 bracket at 11.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 6.2% to 7.6% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 11.3% to 12.4%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.3% to 12.1% and the to group fell from to . Looking ahead to demographic forecasts project major changes in the age profile of the suburb of Narrabri. Leading this transition, the to group is expected to grow by (an increase of people), rising to from . The combined age brackets of and over will make up of total population growth, showing the aging trend of the area. Conversely, both the to and the to cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Narrabri currently has an estimated 500 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 298 children aged 0-2 and 198 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 514 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 714. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.3 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.