Bourke - Brewarrina
Statistical Area - sa2

Bourke - Brewarrina has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Bourke-Brewarrina's population is approximately 3,557 as of August 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 129 people, representing a 3.8% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,428. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,500 in June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Bourke-Brewarrina's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 985 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to increase, with an anticipated growth of 68 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Bourke - Brewarrina is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bourke-Brewarrina has seen minimal residential development activity with an average of 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (17 approvals total). This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific and locally driven rather than broadly market-driven. It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects.

Bourke-Brewarrina shows considerably less construction activity compared to Rest of NSW, with development levels well below national averages. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current pattern of 94.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With stable or declining population forecasts, Bourke-Brewarrina may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Bourke - Brewarrina may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Bourke - Brewarrina has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area: NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program, Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, Newell Highway Upgrade, Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan are key projects, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Bourke - Brewarrina face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bourke-Brewarrina has a skilled workforce with high representation in essential services. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 9.5%.

In comparison to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, this shows room for improvement. Workforce participation is lower at 52.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with levels at 3.7 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employs just 1.0%, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.3 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bourke-Brewarrina's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Bourke - Brewarrina is below the national average. The median income is $51,600 and the average income stands at $60,473. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,107 (median) and $68,099 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($770 weekly), while household income sits at the 25th percentile. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 27.8% of locals (988 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 91.6% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile.

Bourke - Brewarrina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bourke - Brewarrina, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bourke - Brewarrina was at 33.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.4% and rented ones at 46.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,000. The median weekly rent figure stood at $160, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $180. Nationally, Bourke - Brewarrina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bourke - Brewarrina features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.3% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Bourke - Brewarrina faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has a university qualification rate of 19.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (24.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.5% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are 12 schools serving 640 students across the area, which has varied educational conditions between Bourke and Brewarrina. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 106 active transport stops in Bourke - Brewarrina area. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 15 individual routes operating, providing a total of 105 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 6653 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bourke - Brewarrina is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bourke-Brewarrina faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~1,778 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.6%) and arthritis (6.7%). About 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 65.9%. Around 16.5% (586 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NSW's 20.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Bourke - Brewarrina is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bourke-Brewarrina had a cultural diversity index below average, with 79.9% citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 65.5%, compared to 67.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian Aboriginal (27.9%), Australian (26.2%), and English (23.7%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 7.7%.

Bourke - Brewarrina's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Bourke-Brewarrina is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.9% of the population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 age group makes up 9.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.4%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bourke-Brewarrina, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 91%, reaching 130 people from 67. The combined 65+ age groups will account for all total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 45-54 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.