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, is approximately 2,518 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 230 individuals (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,288 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,305 in June 2024 and an additional 216 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Far West's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (1%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed roughly 60% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Far West's population is projected to decrease by approximately 396 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by roughly 48 people.

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

Far West has had minimal residential development activity, with an average of 2 dwelling approvals per year over the past five years (totalling 13). This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small sample size means that individual development projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Far West has much lower development activity, with levels also under national averages. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. This results in an estimated 672 people per dwelling approval, reflecting the quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Far West may experience 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Silver City Energy Storage Centre (Hydrostor A-CAES), 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 details those 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 Far West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Far West's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors, with an unemployment rate of 7.5% as of September 2025. In comparison to Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%, Far West's is 3.7% higher, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Far West lags significantly at 46.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 8.6 times the regional level in Far West. Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 7.6% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Far West's labour force decreased by 4.4%, with employment declining by 6.5%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a national expansion of 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Far West SA2 had a median income of $49,913 and an average income of $62,238. This is lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,207 (median) and $70,086 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Far West's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 7th and 10th percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.6% of Far West's community. 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

Far West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far West was at 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.1% and rented ones at 37.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Far West was $932, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $867. The median weekly rent figure for Far West was $150, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $205 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Far West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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 the 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%, with 14.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 16 operational public transport stops in Far West. These include a combination of train and bus services. There are 10 different routes serving these stops, which together facilitate 1,079 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport options is considered limited, with residents on average being located 21460 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 154 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 67 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~1,286 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 8.2% of residents respectively. 68.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 57.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (531 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 80.6% citizens, 95.1% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 53.8%, compared to 44.9% across Rest of NSW. For ancestry, Australian parents comprised 27.0%, lower than the regional average of 33.5%.

English parents were 24.5%, and Australian Aboriginal parents were 24.2%, higher than the regional average of 9.0%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 4.1% (regional: 3.6%), and Macedonian was present at 0.1% (regional: 0%).

Far West's median age exceeds the national pattern

Far West has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that individuals aged 45-54 make up 13.0% of Far West's population, while those aged 35-44 constitute only 10.1%, both figures differing from Rest of NSW's profile. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 10.8% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 group has decreased from 11.4% to 10.1%, and the 65 to 74 group has fallen from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Far West's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 94%, reaching 87 people from the current 44. Notably, all population growth will come from those aged 65 and above, reflecting Far West's aging demographic trend. Conversely, individuals aged 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 are projected to experience population declines.