Median house price
$866k
+1.9% change
NSW · Shoalhaven Council
Meroo Meadow, 2540
Est. population · Jun 2025
489
Growth (1 yr)
+0.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+2.3%
Median age
50
Median income
$2,116/wk
Employment rate
59.5%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$866,000
Languages at home
1.3%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Meroo Meadow is a quieter smaller community in Shoalhaven Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice. Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area.
Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers. The streetscape feels settled and established, with older homes giving the area a familiar, lived-in look.
Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because parks and green space, plus local dining and lifestyle amenities lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Meroo Meadow snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$571/wk
Houses $600 · Units $465
Population (ERP)
489
+0.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
14.9%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#467
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
20th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
61st
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 28.5/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5818th in Australia
- State rank
- 1880th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #467 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #853 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $465
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $600
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $571
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 300
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $866,000
- Median price change
- +1.9%
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
489(June 2025)
+0.8% annual · +2.3% over 5 years · 61th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.8%
- 5-year growth
- +2.3%
- Change in 1 year
- +4
- Change in 5 years
- +11
- Growth rank in NSW
- 61th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~500), extrapolated at +0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 474
- Median age
- 50
- Median household income / week
- $2,116
- Dwelling vacancy
- 14.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 30 of 202
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,167
- Employment rate
- 59.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 171 / 0 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 20
- Against the person
- 7
- Against property
- 8
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 40.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 68 residents
- State safety percentile
- 20.4th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -4.5%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order135
- Domestic Violence Related Assault174
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment283
- Malicious Damage To Property261
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault146
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Public transport
13 public transport stops in this suburb
- 19 Boxsells Lane
- Meroo Rd At Emerald Dr
- Meroo Rd Opp Emerald Dr
- Princes Hwy At Morschels Lane
- Princes Hwy At Morschels Lane
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 1
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital (6.3 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 19
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 38.9
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 24° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 301 mm · ~38 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 396 mm · ~50 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 292 mm · ~36 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 274 mm · ~34 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 5 proposals
August 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Tourist and visitor accommodation110A ELLIOTT LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Additional Information Requested
June 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure70 BOXSELLS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
May 2026
- SubdivisionBELLS LANE BADAGARANG 2540Additional Information Requested
- Shed; Erection of a new structure82 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation99 RED CEDAR LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
2025· 6 proposals
December 2025
- Multi-dwelling housing; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Moveable dwelling112 BELLS LANE BADAGARANG 2540Under Assessment
November 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home110A ELLIOTT LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation76 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
August 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure63 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
April 2025
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Fences; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external); Swimming pool6 JADE PLACE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
February 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure57 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
2024· 9 proposals
December 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation76 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
November 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure159 GRAHAMS ROAD MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
August 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Intensive plant agriculture9 DEVITTS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Withdrawn
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)1087A MEROO ROAD MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
May 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure67 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Shed; Temporary building, structure or use74 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
March 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation55 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Withdrawn
- Shed; Erection of a new structure20 LAMONDS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Withdrawn
January 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure67 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
2023· 13 proposals
October 2023
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure59 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
September 2023
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure55 FLETCHERS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
August 2023
- Pools / decks / fencing146 RED CEDAR LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
June 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development55 FLETCHERS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Pools / decks / fencing; Retaining walls, protection of trees110B ELLIOTT LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing26B BOXSELLS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
May 2023
- Dwelling55 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Earthworks / change in levels; Shed97F RED CEDAR LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Pools / decks / fencing65 GRAHAMS ROAD MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
April 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development65 GRAHAMS ROAD MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
March 2023
- Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing; Other68 MORSCHELS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
February 2023
- Dwelling57 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
January 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development65 GRAHAMS ROAD MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
2022· 8 proposals
November 2022
- Dwelling74 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Dwelling57 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Dwelling61 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Dwelling84 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Dwelling63 EMERALD DRIVE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
October 2022
- Farm buildings; Shed115 PESTELLS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
September 2022
- Alterations and additions to residential development110 DEVITTS LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
- Alterations and additions to residential development126 RED CEDAR LANE MEROO MEADOW 2540Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Gilmore
- Member of Parliament
- Fiona PHILLIPS (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 128,995
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.5%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.0 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 44.9%Labor 55.1%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 7.8 km away).
Coalition 42.8%Labor 57.2%
2.1 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +4.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- BomaderryLabor 58.4% · Coalition 41.6% TPP (2025)3.9 km away
- CambewarraLabor 56.1% · Coalition 43.9% TPP (2025)4.4 km away
- Nowra BomaderryLabor 56.2% · Coalition 43.8% TPP (2025)5.2 km away
- Nowra NorthLabor 55.1% · Coalition 44.9% TPP (2025)5.3 km away
- TeraraLabor 54.3% · Coalition 45.7% TPP (2025)6.4 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 9/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 9/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
More in Shoalhaven Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.