🔍

North Nowra

NSW 2541 • Rest of NSW

5,856
Population (2021)
$73,372
Median Household Income
10.23 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
Regional NSWSea ChangeFamily-FriendlyCoastal Proximity

About North Nowra

North Nowra is a residential suburb in the Shoalhaven region, located on the northern banks of the Shoalhaven River about 160 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population approaching 6,000, this established community serves as part of the greater Nowra-Bomaderry urban area. The suburb offers a relaxed coastal-hinterland lifestyle with access to the South Coast's beaches and bushland.

Life in North Nowra balances suburban convenience with regional charm. The nearby Nowra CBD provides comprehensive shopping, while the stunning beaches of Jervis Bay are just a short drive away. The community attracts families, retirees, and those seeking a sea-change from Sydney who appreciate affordable housing, natural beauty, and genuine community character. HMAS Albatross naval base nearby provides local employment.

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

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2541
Urban Area
Nowra
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Kiama
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.86°, 150.57°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
10.23 km²
Elevation
65m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$737K
128 sales · ▲ 0.9% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$470K
13 sales · ▼ 11.3% 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)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,719
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.5%

35 state housing + 43 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bomaderry Station
4 km
50 min / 15 min bus

Bus Services

  • Shoalbus routes — Nowra CBD 10-15 min
  • Route E — Bomaderry Station 15-20 min
  • Various — Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet 30-45 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
160 km
By Train
2h 30min (from Bomaderry)
By Bus
Premier Motor Service coaches
By Car (Peak)
2h 15min - 3h
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h

🛣️ Most residents commute locally or work remotely; Sydney is a day trip

Walkability Car-Dependent

Car essential for most activities, limited local shops

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
223.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.6%
Motor vehicle theft
175.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.2%
Non-DV assault
461.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
245.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
View all 62 offence types for Shoalhaven →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,794
Census 2021
5,856
▲ 1.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,172
Personal Income 2021
$36,192
▲ 24.1% 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
$36,192 / yr
$696/wk
Household
$73,372 / yr
$1411/wk
Family
$90,012 / yr
$1731/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,716
Born Overseas 870

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 275
  • 2. New Zealand 82
  • 3. India 60
  • 4. Philippines 45
  • 5. Germany 29
  • 6. China 23
  • 7. Scotland 23
  • 8. United States 23
  • 9. South Africa 19
  • 10. Netherlands 18

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,533
Australian 2,464
Irish 656
Scottish 532
Australian Aboriginal 418
German 247
Italian 112
Dutch 85
Chinese 72
Filipino 65

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,729
Both parents born in Australia
1,076
Both parents born overseas
767
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.3%
No Religion
43.8%
Hinduism
1.2%
Islam
0.8%
Buddhism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
388 (6.6%)
5-14 years
779 (13.3%)
15-19 years
305 (5.2%)
20-24 years
281 (4.8%)
25-34 years
790 (13.5%)
35-44 years
701 (12.0%)
45-54 years
655 (11.2%)
55-64 years
714 (12.2%)
65-74 years
653 (11.2%)
75-84 years
413 (7.1%)
85+ years
180 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North Nowra known for? +

North Nowra is a residential suburb in the Shoalhaven region, located on the northern banks of the Shoalhaven River about 160 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population approaching 6,000, this established community serves as part of the greater Nowra-Bomaderry urban area.

How far is North Nowra from Sydney CBD? +

North Nowra is approximately 160 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around 2h 15min - 3h during peak hour and 2h off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately 2h 30min (from Bomaderry).

Does North Nowra have public transport? +

North Nowra is served by Bomaderry Station station (4 km, approximately 50 min / 15 min bus walk) on the South Coast Line terminus (to Sydney). Local bus services including Shoalbus routes also connect residents to Nowra CBD.

What is the population of North Nowra? +

According to the 2021 Census, North Nowra has a population of approximately 5,856 residents.

Is North Nowra a good place to live? +

North Nowra is considered a good place for families, with a suburban setting and access to schools, parks, and local services. Its community character makes it appealing to households at various life stages.

What is the postcode for North Nowra? +

The postcode for North Nowra in NSW is 2541.

What is the average income in North Nowra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in North Nowra is about $696 per week (around $36,200 per year). The median household income is $1,411 per week and the median family income is $1,731 per week.

What is the median house price in North Nowra? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $736,500, up 0.9% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $470,000, down 11.3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of North Nowra? +

The median age in North Nowra is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (790 residents, around 13%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is North Nowra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. North Nowra is part of the Shoalhaven 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 North Nowra? +

In North Nowra, the median weekly rent is $380, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,719 (2021 Census).