West Nowra
At a median age of 33, West Nowra sits 7 years younger than the national figure, and that youth shows in the tenure mix: 38.3% of residents rent rather than own, which is higher than many comparable NSW regional suburbs. The suburb scores SEIFA decile 2 on both IRSAD and IRSD, placing it in the bottom quintile nationally for advantage and the highest quintile for disadvantage. Weekly household income of $1,493 ranks in the 46.6th percentile nationally, pointing to a working-class base dominated by healthcare and community service occupations. Population grew 24.7% over the decade to reach 1,504 residents across 3.57 square kilometres.
Population
1,504
Median Age
33.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,493/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
11
Median House
$662K
2024-2025 (PSI derived)
The median house price of $662,500 is below the NSW state median for comparable regional centres, and 88.7% of dwellings are separate houses, giving buyers genuine choice in detached stock. Price data from 2024 to 2025 shows a slight softening from $665,000 to $660,000, a 0.8% decline over the period. The bedroom mix tilts toward larger homes: 40.9% have 4 or more bedrooms and 46.5% have 3 bedrooms, with only 9.2% at 2 bedrooms. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,707, and the mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.4% stays below the 30% stress threshold, meaning the suburb is more accessible than its regional location might suggest for buyers at the household income median.
For Buyers
The median house price of $662,500 is below the NSW state median for comparable regional centres, and 88.7% of dwellings are separate houses, giving buyers genuine choice in detached stock. Price data from 2024 to 2025 shows a slight softening from $665,000 to $660,000, a 0.8% decline over the period. The bedroom mix tilts toward larger homes: 40.9% have 4 or more bedrooms and 46.5% have 3 bedrooms, with only 9.2% at 2 bedrooms. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,707, and the mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.4% stays below the 30% stress threshold, meaning the suburb is more accessible than its regional location might suggest for buyers at the household income median.
For Investors
West Nowra's 38.3% renter share is a meaningful draw for investors, and weekly rent of $350 against a $662,500 median yields a gross return near 2.7%, modest but above Sydney inner-ring levels. The vacancy rate of 6.7% is elevated compared to tighter rental markets, signalling softer demand that warrants caution on void periods. Development activity recorded 11 applications in the past 12 months, with Complying Development Certificates for dwellings and residential accommodation indicating incremental supply. Net internal migration averages 96 persons a year, with overseas migration adding another 78, giving balanced demand support. The 10-year population growth of 24.7% signals a suburb that has expanded meaningfully, though the SEIFA decile 2 rating reflects the income base limits on rental premium growth.
Development Activity
Total DAs
56
Last 12 Months
11
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+10.0%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Demographics
The median age of 33 is 7.0 years below the national figure, pointing to a younger resident base than average. Overseas-born residents account for just 8.5%, which is 13.1 percentage points below the national proportion, so the suburb is predominantly Australian-born. Ancestry is strongly Anglo-Celtic: English (608 residents) leads, followed by Scottish (133) and Irish (123). University qualifications reach only 13.6%, which is 16.5 points below the national average, consistent with a trade and service-sector workforce. Average household size of 2.5 matches the national figure, and couples with children (431 families) outnumber couples without children (281) across 1,197 total families, reinforcing the younger household profile.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
88.7%
Houses
10.4%
Townhouse
0.9%
Apartment
Tenure
Ownership is split three ways: 35.3% carry a mortgage, 38.3% rent and 26.4% own outright. The comparatively high renter share relative to outright owners reflects the younger demographic and lower income base. Separate houses dominate at 88.7% of stock, with semi-detached at 10.4% and apartments at just 0.9%, so supply is almost entirely detached. The bedroom profile skews large: 40.9% of dwellings have 4 or more bedrooms and 46.5% have 3 bedrooms. The median price moved from $665,000 in 2024 to $660,000 in 2025, a 0.8% decline. Rent-to-income sits at 23.4%, and mortgage-to-income at 26.4%, both below the 30% stress threshold, making West Nowra more financially sustainable for residents than many higher-priced NSW markets.
Median House Price Trend
Source: State Valuer-General
Mortgage / mo
$1,707
Rent / wk
$350
HH Size
2.5
Personal Income / wk
$750
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
6.7%
Unoccupied
40
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.4%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
26.4%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
23.5%
Couples, no children
1,197
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare is the dominant industry at 25.0% of employed residents (113 workers), with Public Administration second at 14.4% (65 workers) and Retail third at 10.2% (46 workers). Construction at 9.5% and Education at 7.7% round out the top five. By occupation, Community and Personal Service workers lead at 172, followed by Labourers (95) and Professionals (88). The unemployment rate of 4.0% is broadly comparable to national levels, and the full-time employment rate of 63.2% indicates most workers are in stable roles. The SEIFA IEO decile of 2 reflects the low university qualification rate of 13.6% and the concentration of employment in services and trades rather than professional or managerial roles. Real income grew 20.3% over the decade, tracking above inflation but from a modest base.
Unemployment
5.6%
Labour Force
10,221
Unemployed
575
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
63.2%
Part-time
32.8%
Participation
58.5%
Employed
665
Occupations
Top Industries
University
13.6%
Postgraduate
3.0%
Born Overseas
8.5%
Dwellings
557
Transport to Work
Car dependency is very high: 90.2% of residents commute by car, compared to a national average well above 60% but highlighting how limited alternatives are. Public transport use sits at just 0.5%, below most comparable regional suburbs. No schools are recorded inside the West Nowra boundary in this dataset, so families rely on institutions in neighbouring parts of the Nowra urban area. The suburb scores SEIFA IRSAD decile 2, placing it in the bottom quintile nationally for socioeconomic advantage, meaning access to resources is constrained relative to the national average. Need for daily assistance affects 8.0% of residents (113 people), higher than the national rate, consistent with the disability and community-service profile evident in the healthcare-heavy employment base. The volunteering rate of 12.5% suggests active community participation despite the structural disadvantage indicators.
Drive
90.2%
Public Transport
0.5%
Walk / Cycle
1.9%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.66%/yr
(+393 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation growth of 24.7% over the decade to 2025 significantly outpaces many established NSW regional suburbs, driven by balanced migration flows: net internal migration averages 96 persons per year and overseas migration contributes 78. Annual growth of 1.66% (393 persons) is well above the state average. Medium forecasts project the broader area population rising from 23,716 in 2025 to 26,466 by 2031. The gentrification score of 36 places West Nowra at the early-signs stage, with signals including population growth of 26% since 2011 and accelerating investor interest. Affordability has worsened from 45.2% in 2011 to 50.5% in 2021, a 5.3 percentage point shift that reflects the regional housing uplift seen across coastal NSW during the same period.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Balanced
Net Overseas / yr
+78
Net Internal / yr
+96
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +26% since 2011, Net internal migration +96/yr, Accelerating: 10% → 15%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How West Nowra compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Nowra a good suburb to live in?
West Nowra suits buyers and renters who prioritise affordability and family-sized homes. The median house price of $662,500 is accessible by NSW standards, and 88.7% of dwellings are separate houses. The suburb ranks in SEIFA decile 2 nationally for advantage, meaning services and incomes are below average, which is the main trade-off for residents.
What is the median house price in West Nowra?
The median house price is $662,500 based on 2024-2025 data. Prices eased slightly from $665,000 in 2024 to $660,000 in 2025, a 0.8% fall. Weekly rent averages $350 and monthly mortgage repayments are approximately $1,707, with a mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.4%, below the 30% stress threshold.
What schools are in West Nowra?
No schools are recorded inside the West Nowra boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in the wider Nowra area. The suburb's university qualification rate is 13.6%, which is 16.5 percentage points below the national average, reflecting the trade and service-sector employment base.
Is West Nowra safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for West Nowra in this dataset. As an indirect measure, the suburb scores SEIFA IRSD decile 2, placing it in the second decile nationally for relative disadvantage, which is associated with higher crime rates in comparable suburbs. Buyers and renters should review NSW Police area crime statistics directly.
Is West Nowra good for property investment?
The 38.3% renter share provides a solid tenant pool, and $350 weekly rent against a $662,500 median implies a gross yield near 2.7%. The 6.7% vacancy rate is elevated, signalling softer demand. Population grew 24.7% over the decade with annual net migration of 174 people, which supports long-term demand. The SEIFA decile 2 income base limits rental premium growth.
How is West Nowra's population changing?
The population of 1,504 has grown 24.7% over the past decade, driven by both internal migration (96 net per year) and overseas migration (78 net per year). Annual growth of 1.66% is above average for regional NSW. Medium forecasts project the broader Nowra area reaching 26,466 residents by 2031, up from 23,716 in 2025.
What is the rental market like in West Nowra?
West Nowra has a 38.3% renter share, higher than many comparable regional NSW suburbs. Weekly rent averages $350 and the rent-to-income ratio is 23.4%, below the 30% stress threshold. The vacancy rate of 6.7% is elevated, meaning tenants have more choice than in tighter markets.
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 Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), 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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