🔍

Cowra

NSW 2794 • Rest of NSW

10,145
Population (2021)
$57,564
Median Household Income
885.43 km²
Area
$230/wk
Median Rent
Japanese GardensHistorical SignificanceWine RegionCentral West

About Cowra

Cowra carries unique historical significance, set on the Lachlan River about 310 kilometres west of Sydney. This central-western town of roughly 10,100 residents is forever linked to the WWII Japanese prisoner breakout, now commemorated by beautiful Japanese gardens. The surrounding countryside produces wine and agricultural wealth.

The Japanese Gardens attract visitors year-round, while the town itself functions as a practical rural service centre. Farming families depend on its facilities, and the wine region adds tourism appeal. The community has worked to transform tragedy into reconciliation - the gardens symbolise peace and friendship. It's country Australia with an unusual international connection.

Cowra falls under postcode 2794 and is governed by Cowra Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cootamundra electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2794
Urban Area
Cowra
LGA / Council
Cowra
Federal Electorate
Riverina
State Electorate
Cootamundra
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.85°, 148.64°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
885.43 km²
Elevation
293m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Cowra for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$455K
227 sales · ▲ 7.7% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$230
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,235
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.1%

169 state housing + 41 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD 714-952 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
238 km
By Train
Approximately 595 min to Sydney CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 238 km west of Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Kendall Street & Macquarie Street Cowra 2794 NSW
  • Woolworths
    3-9 Railway Lane Cowra 2794 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 4 heritage-listed places in or near Cowra, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Cowra Prisoner of War Camp Site
Evans Street, Cowra • SHR #00619
Cowra rail bridge over Lachlan River
Blayney-Harden railway, Cowra • SHR #01031
Woodstock Railway Station
Blayney-Harden railway, Woodstock • SHR #01290
Cowra Railway Station and yard group
Blayney-Harden railway, Cowra • SHR #01122

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Cowra Local Government Area, which contains Cowra. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
425.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 11.5%
Motor vehicle theft
220.8 / 100k
2yr Down 36.4% 10yr —
Non-DV assault
378.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
315.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 7.0%
View all 62 offence types for Cowra →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,063
Census 2021
10,145
▲ 0.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,040
Personal Income 2021
$32,084
▲ 18.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$32,084 / yr
$617/wk
Household
$57,564 / yr
$1107/wk
Family
$75,348 / yr
$1449/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 8,694
Born Overseas 699

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 134
  • 2. New Zealand 61
  • 3. India 43
  • 4. Philippines 43
  • 5. Germany 35
  • 6. South Africa 28
  • 7. Netherlands 27
  • 8. Scotland 23
  • 9. China 20
  • 10. United States 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 4,418
English 4,225
Irish 1,191
Scottish 999
Australian Aboriginal 930
German 342
Italian 115
Dutch 99
Maltese 68
Greek 64

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,778
Both parents born in Australia
925
Both parents born overseas
706
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
63.4%
No Religion
26.7%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.3%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
561 (5.5%)
5-14 years
1,223 (12.1%)
15-19 years
584 (5.8%)
20-24 years
545 (5.4%)
25-34 years
1,060 (10.4%)
35-44 years
981 (9.7%)
45-54 years
1,208 (11.9%)
55-64 years
1,332 (13.1%)
65-74 years
1,394 (13.7%)
75-84 years
877 (8.6%)
85+ years
378 (3.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowra known for? +

Cowra is a well-established residential suburb in Cowra, NSW, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 10,145 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of NSW region.

How far is Cowra from Sydney CBD? +

Cowra is approximately 238 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Cowra have public transport? +

Cowra is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Cowra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cowra has a population of approximately 10,145 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Cowra district.

Is Cowra a good place to live? +

Cowra appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $40,864, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most NSW suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Cowra? +

The postcode for Cowra, NSW is 2794.

What is the average income in Cowra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cowra is about $617 per week (around $32,100 per year). The median household income is $1,107 per week and the median family income is $1,449 per week.

What is the median house price in Cowra? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $455,000, up 7.7% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Cowra? +

The median age in Cowra is 46. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,394 residents, around 14%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 26% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cowra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cowra is part of the Cowra LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Cowra? +

In Cowra, the median weekly rent is $230, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,235 (2021 Census).