๐Ÿ“ฎ West Nowra postcode: 2541

West Nowra Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (NSW)

West Nowra, New South Walesยท Shoalhavenยท 2541
West Nowra has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbsUpdated 25 May 2026

Liveability Score

5.5/10

West Nowra has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbs

Key Facts

Median Age
38 years (state avg)
Median Household Income
$1,468/wk (state avg)
Families with Children
28.7% of households
Home Ownership
64.5% own โ€” 31.5% rent
Postcode
2541
Highest high-risk exposure
11.7% of land (riverine flood)

Demographics Analysis

West Nowra in New South Wales reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in New South Wales has a median weekly income of around $1,468, with a median age of 38 years.

The ABS reports that 28.7% of households in New South Wales are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 24.5% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.

Home ownership rates in New South Wales show that 64.5% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 31.5% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability โ€” all important factors for home buyers evaluating West Nowra.

Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like West Nowra. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles โ€” families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your West Nowra property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.

West Nowra (postcode 2541) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are riverine flood (11.7% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (10.4% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (8.7% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across West Nowra โ€” individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Strengthen Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to incorporate climate resilience measures, such as flood-resistant construction and bushfire-resistant materials.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Implement community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Shoalhaven City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 25 May 2026

Explore West Nowra Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of West Nowra?

Population data for West Nowra comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the New South Wales state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.

What is the median age in West Nowra?

The median age for New South Wales is 38 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for West Nowra. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.

What is the average household income in West Nowra?

The median weekly household income in New South Wales is $1,468 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.

What type of people live in West Nowra?

The demographic profile of West Nowra is broadly shaped by its location within New South Wales. According to the ABS Census, 28.7% of households in the state are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. The overall population of New South Wales has a median age of 38 โ€” use this as context when assessing the demographic character of West Nowra.

What share of West Nowra is exposed to high riverine flood risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.7% of West Nowra in high-risk zones for riverine flood, with a further 78.9% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform โ€” individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is West Nowra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for West Nowra, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 ยท Australian addresses only ยท 8 hazard scores ยท Insurance trajectory ยท 2030 & 2050 projections