Narellan
The standout feature is growth: across the wider area, population change is forecast at 66.1% over 10 years and the annual trend is 2.88%, with overseas migration the primary driver. Narellan itself has 3,358 residents in 3.99 sq km, giving it a density of 841.4 people per sq km. Its median age of 36 is 4 years below the national figure, while household size is 2.7, or 0.2 higher than national. Compared with nearby Camden and Elderslie, Narellan has a compact, detached-home market and a clear growth story, though the 37.1% renting share keeps tenant demand relevant.
Population
3,358
Median Age
36.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,706/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
53
For buyers, Narellan is primarily a detached-house market: 90.7% of occupied dwellings are separate houses, compared with 0.7% apartments and 8.6% semi-detached homes. The bedroom mix points to established family demand because 51.9% of homes have 3 bedrooms and 39.2% have 4 or more. A typical mortgage commitment is $2,037 per month, equal to 27.6% of household income, while rent absorbs 25.2%, so borrowing capacity still needs careful testing. Household income is $1,706 weekly and sits at the 59.7th percentile. The affordability measure moved from 49.0 in 2011 to 47.9 in 2021 and is classified as stable.
For Buyers
For buyers, Narellan is primarily a detached-house market: 90.7% of occupied dwellings are separate houses, compared with 0.7% apartments and 8.6% semi-detached homes. The bedroom mix points to established family demand because 51.9% of homes have 3 bedrooms and 39.2% have 4 or more. A typical mortgage commitment is $2,037 per month, equal to 27.6% of household income, while rent absorbs 25.2%, so borrowing capacity still needs careful testing. Household income is $1,706 weekly and sits at the 59.7th percentile. The affordability measure moved from 49.0 in 2011 to 47.9 in 2021 and is classified as stable.
For Investors
Investor demand has a credible base because 37.1% of households rent, compared with 28.5% owning outright, and weekly rent is $430. Vacancy is 4.1%, so leasing conditions should still be checked by property type and street rather than assumed. Rents have grown 39.8% in the wider trend history, while overseas migration is the primary growth driver, both of which can sustain demand if new supply is absorbed. Development activity is material, with 50 applications in the past 12 months, including commercial, business, restaurant and takeaway alterations. Compared with a low-turnover ownership market, the 23.0% turnover rate creates more regular leasing opportunities, but investors should distinguish dwelling supply from commercial works before estimating competition.
Development Activity
Total DAs
270
Last 12 Months
53
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+12.8%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Narellan
Open-register school locations for education access. This is not a school-quality ranking.
Demographics
Narellan has an Anglo-leaning demographic profile, with English ancestry recorded for 1,259 people, followed by Irish at 351 and Scottish at 297; Italian ancestry accounts for 195. The median age is 36, which is 4 years below the national comparison, and the average household contains 2.7 people, 0.2 above national. University attainment is 20.5%, or 9.6 percentage points below national, while the overseas-born share is 14.3%, 7.3 points below national. Christianity is recorded for 1,992 people and no religion for 1,002, with Islam at 57. These patterns suggest a settled, working-age suburb because the age and ancestry profile is less internationally weighted than national averages, although overseas migration is driving wider-area growth. Compared with nearby Camden and Elderslie, local services need to support both established families and new arrivals.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
90.7%
Houses
8.6%
Townhouse
0.7%
Apartment
Tenure
Housing stock is strongly detached: 90.7% separate houses, 8.6% semi-detached dwellings and 0.7% apartments across a 3.99 sq km suburb with density of 841.4 people per sq km. Three-bedroom homes account for 51.9% and 4-bedroom-plus homes 39.2%, so the market is oriented to larger households rather than apartment buyers. Tenure is mixed, with 28.5% owning outright, 33.0% paying a mortgage and 37.1% renting. Mortgage costs average $2,037 monthly, while rent is $430 weekly; their income shares are 27.6% and 25.2% respectively. Compared with apartment-led markets, Narellan's compact detached format suits buyers seeking established housing, because larger homes dominate the local stock. Household income is $1,706 weekly and at the 59.7th percentile.
Mortgage / mo
$2,037
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $430.
$700
Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $720 · units $460
HH Size
2.7
Personal Income / wk
$768
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
4.1%
Unoccupied
51
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
25.2%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
27.6%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
41.9%
Couples with children
34.0%
Couples, no children
22.3%
Single parent
937
Total families
Economy & Employment
Narellan's employment base is led by construction at 16.1% of industry employment, followed by healthcare at 14.9%, education at 12.6%, retail at 8.8% and manufacturing at 7.1%. The occupational mix is similarly practical, with 302 trades workers, 211 professionals, 209 clerical and administration workers, 176 community and personal service workers and 170 labourers. Unemployment is 3.8%, participation is 61.1% and the full-time rate is 57.6%, indicating a substantial working base but also a not-in-labour-force group of 957 people. Household income is $1,706 weekly and at the 59.7th percentile. Economic resources rank higher than education and occupation measures: IER is decile 9, compared with IEO decile 6, while IRSAD and IRSD are both decile 7. That gap suggests income and resources are stronger than credentials alone.
Unemployment
3.8%
Labour Force
1,628
Unemployed
62
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
57.6%
Part-time
27.9%
Participation
61.1%
Employed
1,566
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
20.5%
Postgraduate
5.2%
Born Overseas
14.3%
Dwellings
1,198
Transport to Work
Daily life is car-oriented: 67.1% travel as car drivers, compared with 1.2% using public transport and 2.0% walking or cycling. A further 26.5% work from home, which can reduce commuting needs but increases the value of nearby shops and services. Four local government schools cover primary, secondary and specific-purpose education, giving families several school types to investigate; enrolment zones should be checked against the exact address because they can cross suburb boundaries. Narellan's 3.99 sq km footprint and density of 841.4 people per sq km make local access relevant, while IRSAD sits in decile 7, indicating stronger relative advantage than lower-decile locations. Compared with a transit-oriented suburb, private-car access is more important here. Check current crime information at street level before making a safety decision.
Drive
67.1%
Public Transport
1.2%
Walk / Cycle
2.0%
Work from Home
26.5%
Population Forecast
+2.88%/yr
(+432 people/yr)
EstablishedNarellan's growth outlook is strong but not primarily a gentrification story. The annual trend is 2.88%, the wider-area trajectory is labelled "Growing (all ages)", and population change across that area is 66.1% over 10 years. Overseas migration is the primary driver, which fits the need for housing and services as new households arrive. Rent growth is 39.8%, reinforcing the demand signal. Gentrification indicators are mixed: the main score is 15 and the stage is "Not gentrifying", while the shift measure records a score of 20 and "Early signs". The 1.2-point increase in young share and 1.8-point rise in senior share point to growth across age groups, while the working share falls 1.5 points. Compared with a narrowly youth-led suburb, this broader age profile may support steadier local demand.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+71
Net Internal / yr
+13
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Accelerating: 23% → 39%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Narellan compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Narellan a good suburb to live in?
Narellan can suit buyers wanting established detached housing and family-sized layouts. Separate houses make up 90.7% of dwellings, while 67.1% of commuters drive and 26.5% work from home. The trade-off is that 37.1% rent, so buyers should compare mortgage costs of $2,037 per month with local rents and inspect traffic, services and enrolment zones.
What is the median house price in Narellan?
A reliable current median house price requires checking recent Narellan sales rather than relying on an old estimate. Narellan's stock is 90.7% separate houses, including 51.9% three-bedroom and 39.2% four-bedroom-plus homes. Compare like-for-like detached sales and test repayments against the $2,037 monthly mortgage figure.
What schools are in Narellan?
Narellan has 4 government schools: Narellan Public School, Elderslie High School, Elizabeth Macarthur High School and Yandelora School for specific purposes. The mix includes primary, secondary and specialist education. Families should confirm current intake areas and enrolment rules for the exact address, since school boundaries can differ from suburb boundaries.
Is Narellan safe?
Use current NSW Police or council crime information for a street-level safety check rather than assuming a suburb-wide result. Narellan covers 3.99 sq km, and 67.1% of workers drive, so road conditions, parking and traffic around the home also matter. Visit at different times and compare recent incidents with nearby streets before signing a lease or contract.
Is Narellan good for property investment?
Narellan may suit investors seeking a substantial rental market, with 37.1% of households renting, weekly rent of $430 and vacancy of 4.1%. Overseas migration is the primary growth driver, while 50 development applications were recorded in 12 months. Check whether projects add dwellings or commercial space, then calculate yield, insurance, rates and maintenance from a current purchase price.
How is Narellan's population changing?
Narellan's wider-area growth indicators are strong: the annual trend is 2.88%, the trajectory is "Growing (all ages)", and population change is 66.1% over 10 years. Overseas migration is the primary driver. Narellan currently has 3,358 residents, and future demand should be assessed alongside housing, service and infrastructure capacity.
What development is happening in Narellan?
Development activity is active, with 50 applications in the last 12 months. Recent examples include commercial building alterations, business-premises work and restaurant or takeaway changes. The activity points to business and amenity investment, so buyers and investors should check each application's address, approval status and whether it changes traffic, parking or local services.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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