Far West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Far West's population is around 2,301 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 13 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,288 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,299 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Far West's 0.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (-0.1%), though growth remains modest. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 396 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 increase by 48 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Far West experiences very limited development activity, averaging 2 approvals per year (13 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Far West shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of NSW. The development pattern is also well below national averages. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, which aligns with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated count of 672 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 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.

Employment conditions in Far West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Far West possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. As of December 2025898 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.9% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 8.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 7.6% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.4% alongside a 5.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the 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 Far West. 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 Far West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.4% 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

The Far West SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Far West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,186 and the average income stands at $62,688, which compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,898 (median) and $68,242 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Far West all fall between the 7th and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.6% of the community (612 individuals), diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 92.3% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Far West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% 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 Far West was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 49.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (13.1%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $932, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Far West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 61.3% of all households, comprising 20.4% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Far West 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 (15.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (27.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Far West, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 1,079 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 21460 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 66%, with 28% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A high 32.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,159 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 68.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (488 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.6% of its population being citizens, 95.1% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Far West is Christianity, which makes up 53.8% 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 Far West are Australian, comprising 27.0% of the population, English, comprising 24.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of Far West (vs 3.1% regionally) and Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.4%).

Far West's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 43, Far West is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 0 - 4 year-olds are particularly prominent (7.0%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (10.3%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.4% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort 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 dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Far West's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 76% (37 people), reaching 87 from 49. 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 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.