🔍

Nowra

NSW 2541 • Rest of NSW

9,956
Population (2021)
$28,808
Median Income
8.99 km²
Area
16m
Elevation
Regional CentreCoastal LifestyleAffordableRetirement-FriendlyRiver Town

About Nowra

Nowra is the commercial heart of the Shoalhaven region, located 160 kilometres south of Sydney on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. With a population of around 10,000 in the town centre (and over 22,000 in the broader urban area), it serves as the major service and retail hub for the South Coast. The name derives from an Aboriginal word for the black cockatoo. Nowra combines the relaxed pace of regional living with good amenities, making it increasingly popular with retirees, families, and those seeking coastal lifestyle without big-city prices.

The town offers a full range of shopping along Kinghorne Street including Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi, plus specialty stores, cafés and restaurants. The nearby Shoalhaven River and Jervis Bay provide excellent fishing, boating, and beaches, while Bundanon — the former home of artist Arthur Boyd — offers world-class cultural experiences. HMAS Albatross, the Royal Australian Navy air station, is a major local employer. Nowra suits those wanting affordable housing, natural beauty, and a strong community feel, with healthcare, schools and services that serve the wider region.

Nowra falls under postcode 2541 and is governed by Shoalhaven Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South Coast electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2541
Urban Area
Nowra
LGA
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
South Coast
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.88°, 150.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
8.99 km²
Elevation
16m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Kinghorne Street & Junction Street Nowra 2541 NSW
  • Woolworths
    9-13 Kinghorne Street Nowra 2541 NSW
  • ALDI
    8 - 16 Kinghorne Street, Nowra NSW 2541

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Nowra, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Meroogal
35 West Street Nowra • SHR #00953
Graham Lodge
Pleasant Way, Nowra • SHR #01699

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
40 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
9,193
Census 2021
9,956
▲ 8.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,024
Income 2021
$28,808
▲ 19.9% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,495
Born Overseas 1,332

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 316
  • 2. India 132
  • 3. Philippines 87
  • 4. New Zealand 86
  • 5. China 65
  • 6. Nepal 49
  • 7. Thailand 44
  • 8. Scotland 41
  • 9. Netherlands 32
  • 10. Germany 30
  • 11. Italy 21
  • 12. Pakistan 21
  • 13. Canada 19
  • 14. Croatia 15
  • 15. Indonesia 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 3,871
English 3,749
Australian Aboriginal 1,124
Irish 1,048
Scottish 831
German 334
Italian 171
Filipino 134
Chinese 120
Dutch 109

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

6,179
Both parents born in Australia
1,623
Both parents born overseas
1,009
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.4%
No Religion
39.5%
Buddhism
1.6%
Hinduism
1.2%
Islam
0.6%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
632 (6.3%)
5-14 years
1,203 (12.1%)
15-19 years
579 (5.8%)
20-24 years
566 (5.7%)
25-34 years
1,353 (13.6%)
35-44 years
1,036 (10.4%)
45-54 years
1,104 (11.1%)
55-64 years
1,189 (11.9%)
65-74 years
1,081 (10.9%)
75-84 years
771 (7.7%)
85+ years
444 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs