Broken Hill

Broken Hill has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Broken Hill's population is around 17,565 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 23 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,588 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,541 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 103 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Broken Hill has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.6% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 4,161 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 102 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Broken Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Broken Hill has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 33 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $316,000. Additionally, $24.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Broken Hill records about three-quarters the building activity per person while it places among the 7th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 3814 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Broken Hill may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Broken Hill has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Silver City Energy Storage Centre, Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment - MHIPU, ED Upgrade and Key Worker Accommodation, Broken Hill Community Health Centre, and Broken Hill Town Square Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

While Broken Hill retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Broken Hill possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. As of December 2025, 7,289 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (52.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 4.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Broken Hill's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.0% alongside a 4.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Broken Hill. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Broken Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Broken Hill SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $55,659 while the average income stands at $66,175. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,590 (median) and $72,038 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Broken Hill all fall between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 27.2% of locals (4,777 people) in the $400 - 799 category, unlike trends at regional levels where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 90.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

Broken Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Broken Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Broken Hill was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 43.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (24.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Broken Hill's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Broken Hill features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.6% of all households, comprising 19.3% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 37.1% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Broken Hill faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 111 active transport stops operating within Broken Hill, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 707 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 101 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Broken Hill is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Broken Hill, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~9,151 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.0% and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 56.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,215 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Broken Hill placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Broken Hill was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Broken Hill is Christianity, which makes up 43.8% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Broken Hill are Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, English, comprising 29.9% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Broken Hill (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 3.6% (vs 3.1%) and Filipino at 1.1% (vs 0.6%).

Broken Hill hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 43, Broken Hill is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.8%), while the 45 - 54 group is comparatively smaller (9.9%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.4% to 9.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Broken Hill's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 25% (132 people), reaching 654 from 521. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.