Far West

Far West has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Far West's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 2,301 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 13 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,288. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,299 in June 2024 and the addition of 221 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Far West's growth rate of 0.6% since the 2021 Census surpassed that of its SA3 area (-0.1%), though overall growth remains modest. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.0% of recent population gains in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate a decline in Far West's population by 396 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow by 48 people during this period.

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

Far West experienced limited development activity from 2017 to 2021, with an average of two approvals per year (totaling thirteen). This reflects its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than market demand. Due to low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary greatly based on individual projects.

Far West had significantly less construction activity compared to Rest of NSW and was below national averages during this period. All new constructions were standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 672 people in the area. With stable or declining population forecasts, Far West may face less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Far West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could significantly impact the area due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Notable ones include 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. The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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 Far West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Far West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 7.5% as of September 2025. There are 895 residents employed, with the unemployment rate at 3.7%, which is 3.7 percentage points higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Far West is 51.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 32.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 8.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional figure of 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4%, employment fell by 6.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment fall of 0.5%, labour force contraction of 0.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Far West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Far West SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $53,186. The average income stood at $62,688 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,898, with average income estimated at around $68,242. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Far West fall between the 7th and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.6% of the community (612 individuals), differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 92.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 15th percentile nationally.

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

In Far West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.9% of dwellings were houses while 6.1% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far West stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties at 13.1% and rented ones at 37.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $932, significantly lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Far West was $150, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Far West's mortgage repayments were considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Far West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 61.3% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (27.1%). Educational participation is high at 33.1%, comprising primary education (14.7%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (1.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Far West has 18 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 routes that together provide 1,079 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents located an average of 21460 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this primarily residential area is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport is car at 66%, with walking at 28%. There are on average 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 32.7%, work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 154 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Far West faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,159 people) had private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 8.2% of residents respectively. 68.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents showed an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (488 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Far West had a lower cultural diversity than average, with 80.6% of its population being citizens, 95.1% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Far West, comprising 53.8% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.0%), English (24.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (24.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 3.1%. Macedonian ancestry was present at 0.1%, lower than the regional average of 0.4%.

Far West's median age exceeds the national pattern

Far West has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 make up 7.0%, while those aged 35-44 comprise 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.4%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has increased from 5.4% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.4%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Far West's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 76% (37 people), reaching 87 from 49. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all total population growth. In contrast, the 75 to 84 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.