Thurgoona (NSW)

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According to the analysis of ABS population adjustments for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Thurgoona has a population estimated at approximately 13,842 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 2,814 people (25.5%) from the 2021 Census, when the recorded population stood at 11,028 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 13,321, which was estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data and a further 918 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the density ratio reaches 388 persons per square kilometer, leaving substantial area for each individual and potential space for subsequent development. The 25.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Thurgoona since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a frontrunner for growth in the territory. Population expansion within the district was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of all population increases in recent times, though other contributors such as natural growth and overseas migration also registered positive results.

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The locality possesses a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of only 2.5% according to Districts' compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 7,470 working residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.6% below the 4.1% rate of Regional NSW. Furthermore, workforce participation is exceptionally high at 75.4% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a minor 10.2% of the workforce worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions must be kept in mind.

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Based on the latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Thurgoona recorded a median taxpayer income of $53,776 and an average of $67,988. These figures align closely with national averages, whereas Regional NSW registered a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates point to approximately $59,326 for the median and $75,004 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that family, household, and personal incomes in the locality group around the 65th percentile nationwide. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket contains 40.4% of the population, accounting for 5,592 individuals, which mirrors patterns in the surrounding area where of the population falls into this same range. After paying for housing, residents retain of their income for other living costs, and the local SEIFA income index ranks in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the mix of housing styles in the area consisted of 97.1% detached houses and 2.9% other housing types like townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to Regional NSW where detached houses accounted for 82.6% and other dwellings made up 17.4%. Home ownership rates lagged behind the broader region at 26.4%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (48.1%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the Regional NSW average at $1,625, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $360, compared to regional averages of $1,733 and $330. On a national scale, mortgage payments are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the bulk of the community at 79.3%, consisting of couples with children at 39.8%, couples without children at 28.4%, and single-parent households at 10.5%. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.7%, with single-person households representing 17.2% and group houses making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels lag behind regional standards, with 24.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 32.2% across NSW. This difference suggests opportunities for further educational growth and skills training. Among university qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 28.8%.

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Public transport studies show 193 active transport stops within the area, which consist of bus services. These locations are served by 44 distinct routes that provide a total of 903 passenger trips each week. Transport access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 173 meters from their closest stop. Being a mainly residential zone, the majority of workers travel outside the area, and cars remain the primary method of transport for 97% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is above the regional average. A relatively small share of 10.2% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Health measures indicate below-average trends in the area, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with typical health issues being common in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is slightly ahead of the average SA2 region, covering approximately 54% of the population, which equates to about 7,449 people.

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The locality displays lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 88.8% of residents born in Australia, 93.1% holding citizenship, and 92.4% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 52.9% of the population. The most distinct disproportion is found in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 34 makes the local population considerably younger than Regional NSW at 43, and also younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW averages, there is a pronounced over-representation in the 25 - 34 bracket (15.9% of the local population), while the 65 - 74 group is under-represented (8.0%). Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has risen from 14.3% to 15.9% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 14.0% to 15.1%. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 cohort dropped from 9.8% to 8.5%. Demographic projections indicate that the age distribution will change substantially by with the to age cohort expected to grow significantly, increasing by people () from to .

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Thurgoona currently has an estimated 1,135 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 600 children aged 0-2 and 401 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 26% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 52% by 2041 (to approximately 1,726 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,611. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.7 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.