Far West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Far West's population is approximately 2,508 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 220 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,288. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density is 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Far West's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded regional averages. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Projections indicate a decline in overall population to 2,112 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group by 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 annually over the past five years, totalling 13. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Far West's development activity is notably lower compared to Rest of NSW, with levels also below national averages. Recent building activity has consisted solely of standalone homes, reflecting rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 672 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Far West may experience less housing pressure, potentially 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 12thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment - MHIPU, ED Upgrade and Key Worker Accommodation, Silver City Energy Storage Centre (Hydrostor A-CAES), Broken Hill Community Health Centre, and Broken Hill Town Square Redevelopment. The following list details those projects considered 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 is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with varied sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 7.6%.

In comparison to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, Far West's rate is 3.9% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Far West lags behind Rest of NSW, at 46.2% compared to 56.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a significantly higher proportion of residents than the regional average, at 8.6 times the level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 7.6% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many Far West residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and May 2025, Far West's labour force decreased by 1.9%, with employment declining by 5.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Far West's current employment mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 4.5% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, although these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Far West has a lower median income of $49,913 compared to the national average of $62,238. The average income in Far West is $62,238, while Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, the current estimated median income in Far West is approximately $56,207 as of September 2025, with the average being around $70,086. Census 2021 data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Far West fall between the 7th to 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 26.6% of individuals in Far West earn between $800 - 1499, compared to metropolitan regions where 29.9% earn between $1500 - 2999. Housing costs are modest, with 92.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at 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, with the remaining 6.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's composition of 94.9% houses and 5.1% 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, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $867 but significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Far West was $150, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $205 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 most prevalent at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 27.1%. Educational participation is high, with 33.1% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (14.7%), secondary (8.9%), and tertiary (1.7%).

Six schools operate within Far West, educating approximately 220 students; these include three primary and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower at 8.8 compared to the regional average of 13.8, with some students likely attending schools in nearby areas.

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

Far West has 16 active public transport stops operating currently. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 10 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,079 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited in the region, with residents typically located 21460 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 154 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 (~1,281 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 (528 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.6% of its population being citizens, 95.1% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Far West, comprising 53.8% of people, compared to 44.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.0%), English (24.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (24.2%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 3.6%, while Macedonian ancestry is present at 0.1%.

Far West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Far West has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of NSW figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 make up 13.0%, while those aged 35-44 comprise 10.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.8% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.1%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped 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 95% (42 people), reaching 87 from 44. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.