Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Nowra
9 km²
A significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence distinguishes Nowra, where 12.3% of residents identify as First Nations. This community is one of the largest in its level and is marked by a notable number of seniors and single-parent families. While the area is very walkable, it faces challenges with lower typical incomes and higher unemployment compared to the rest of the state. It serves as a key regional hub with a diverse mix of ages and a strong connection to health and social services.
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The population is older than most areas, with 23.0% of people aged 65 and over, which is well above the national figure of 17.2%. Children under 15 make up 18.4% of the community, a rate slightly higher than the national average.
Most residents were born in Australia, with 75.3% of the population born here. This means far fewer people were born overseas compared to the New South Wales average of 29.3%.
English is the primary language for 81.8% of residents. While 7.6% use another language at home—which is higher than most similar areas—this is still far below the state average of 26.6%.
About 39.5% of the community report no religion, a figure that is well above the New South Wales average of 33.2%. Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 44.4%.
Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 34.5% of residents completing Year 12, compared to 58.9% across the state. Just 11.4% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.
Typical incomes are much lower than the national figure, with the usual household earning $1,037 a week. Only 7.3% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is far below the state average of 25.2%.
Health challenges are common here, as 39.2% of people have a long-term health condition. This is far above the national figure of 27.7%, and 16.0% of residents live with a mental health condition.
A strong history of service is evident, with 6.1% of people having served in the Defence Force, which is well above the national average of 2.8%. However, volunteering rates are a little below the national figure.
The First Nations community is large, with 1,225 people. This group faces significant hardship, with an unemployment rate of 19.1% and a typical personal income of $469, both of which are well below state and national figures.
The area has a high proportion of single-parent families at 26.4%, far above the national average of 14.1%. Additionally, 35.5% of people live alone, which is well above the national figure.
Rental properties are very common, with 45.8% of households renting, far above the national average of 30.6%. Most people live in separate houses, though only 28.3% own their home outright.
Most people rely on cars, and 12.2% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well above the national average. Very few people—only 0.3%—commute by public transport.
The community is relatively mobile, with 38.1% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 16.1% of the population, a little above the national figure.
Working or looking for work is much less common here than elsewhere, at 43.5%. The unemployment rate of 9.3% is well above the national average of 5.1%, with many residents employed in health care and social assistance.
The area is very walkable, with 100% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a park. Most residents can easily reach health services and public transport on foot, although only 53.2% are within a 15-minute walk of groceries.