West Nowra (NSW)

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West Nowra has an estimated population of 1,581 as of May 2026, according to Districts' evaluation of the newest ABS population figures and validated new address listings. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted ,1504 residents, this represents an expansion of 77 people (5.1%). This estimate is calculated from a base resident count of 1,566 drawn from the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 53 verified address additions since the Census. The density stands at 442 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density and permits future building options. With a 5.1% growth rate, the suburb of West Nowra outpaced both the broader SA4 region (3.1%) and the SA3 area, leading its territory in expansion. Net gains were heavily influenced by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 36.0% of the growth, although natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

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Based on local statistical data, West Nowra features a diverse labour force of white-collar and blue-collar workers, with strong representation in public service sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.5%, and stable employment patterns over the past year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 753, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.6% lower than the Regional NSW mark of 4.1%. Participation in the workforce is 63.1%, slightly above the Regional NSW benchmark of 60.6%. Census figures indicate that a low 5.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Incomes in the suburb of West Nowra are slightly lower than the national average, according to 2023 financial year tax data. The median income for local taxpayers is $53,837 and the average is $66,305, compared to Regional NSW statistics of $52,390 for median and $65,215 for average. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $59,393 and an average of $73,148 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household, family, and personal incomes in the 35th to 38th percentiles. About 40.6% of residents (641 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, compared to 29.9% in the wider metropolitan region. Housing costs are substantial, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the nd percentile for affordability.

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According to the last Census, West Nowra's housing stock consisted of 88.7% detached houses and 11.3% other home types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership rates lag behind the regional average, with fully owned homes at 25.8%, mortgaged properties at 35.1%, and rental properties at 39.1%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,707, lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while weekly rent was $350, higher than the regional benchmark of $330. Nationally, West Nowra's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national average of $375.

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Families make up 72.5% of households, consisting of couples with children at 27.5%, couples without children at 23.8%, and single parents at 19.8%. Non-family households represent the remaining 27.5%, with single-person households making up 23.6% and group houses accounting for 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment is low, with 11.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 47.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 35.3%.

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There are 13 active transit stops in West Nowra offering bus services across 8 separate routes, which combine to deliver 70 weekly passenger trips. Local transit access is strong, with residents living an average of 190 meters from their nearest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, the vast majority of workers travel outside the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 95% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A low 5.0% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic lockdowns.

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West Nowra faces notable public health challenges, as indicated by mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across young and old groups, while the rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the SA2 average at approximately 53% of residents (~840 people).

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The population shows low cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.8% of the community, 91.5% of residents born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 48.8% of residents. The most pronounced overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.0% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 32 years in West Nowra is younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb has a larger proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (18.2%) but fewer seniors aged 65 - 74 (7.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 16.7% to 18.2% and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.4% to 12.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 10.0% to 8.7%. Significant changes are expected by led by the to age bracket, which is projected to grow by ( people) to reach from .

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West Nowra currently has an estimated 131 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 64 children aged 0-2 and 43 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 50% by 2041 (to approximately 196 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 160. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.