Area profile · Rest of NSW
Walgett - Lightning Ridge has an estimated 5,722 residents, up 3.4% since the 2021 Census, with 42 projects tracked in the area around Walgett - Lightning Ridge.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
The Walgett - Lightning Ridge Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 540 kilometres west-southwest from Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 5,722 as of Aug 2026. Compared with the 5,534 people recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents an estimated increase of 188 people (3.4%), based on the ABS estimated resident population of 5,708 as of June 2025 and 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. Population growth remains limited, and sales volumes are notably low relative to the area's population.
The area combines strong outright home ownership and affordable housing options with above-average children per family and low average household size. Its employment base includes notable education and agricultural activity, while educational attainment and income levels are lower. Residents are described as including a high proportion of children and many lone person households.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Walgett - Lightning Ridge Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 540 kilometres west-southwest from Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 5,722 as of Aug 2026. Compared with the 5,534 people recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents an estimated increase of 188 people (3.4%), based on the ABS estimated resident population of 5,708 as of June 2025 and 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. Population growth remains limited, and sales volumes are notably low relative to the area's population.
The area combines strong outright home ownership and affordable housing options with above-average children per family and low average household size. Its employment base includes notable education and agricultural activity, while educational attainment and income levels are lower. Residents are described as including a high proportion of children and many lone person households.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 8,706 in 2001 and 5,708 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 5,722 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 55 to 64, 14.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $400 - 799, 28.2%.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge ranks in the 35th percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 33rd for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Walgett - Lightning Ridge is $254 a week, up 13.6% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 56% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.3%.
56% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 Earl Street, Collarenebri NSW 2833 | $100,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 59 Pitt Street, Walgett NSW 2832 | $110,000 | 14 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 50 Butterfly Avenue, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 | $340,000 | 7 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 6 Sutherland Street, Walgett NSW 2832 | $290,000 | 7 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 25 Gem Street, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 | $150,000 | 28 Aug 2026 | Street address |
| 39 Alma Street, Burren Junction NSW 2386 | $280,000 | 22 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 40 Wee Waa Street, Walgett NSW 2832 | $25,000 | 20 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 1 Fox Street, Walgett NSW 2832 | $120,000 | 17 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 49 Bokhara Street, Goodooga NSW 2838 | $25,000 | 16 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 19 Black Prince Drive, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 | $450,000 | 9 Jul 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 37 residential sales recorded since 30 Jan 2026 (the latest settled 25 Sep 2026), newest first. The median of these 37, houses and units together, was $110,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to September 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $254 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +13.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $330k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median price, latest residential sales | $110,000 | Median of the 37 most recent residential sales, settled 30 Jan 2026 to 25 Sep 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent, Bourke - Cobar - Coonamble | $300 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Far West and Orana | $462 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $582 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $727 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 297 tracked applications: 121 approved, 59 under assessment, 117 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Walgett - Lightning Ridge, then export the list.
The map builder can plot
AreaSearch tracks 42 projects in and around Walgett - Lightning Ridge, 9 of them under construction.
Upgrade of approximately 171km of existing rail track and construction of new track to accommodate double-stacked freight trains as part of the broader Inland Rail project. This phase is now complete and operational.
The Narrabri Gas Project involves the progressive development of up to 850 coal seam gas wells across 95,000 hectares in the Pilliga State Forest and surrounds, targeting the Gunnedah Basin approximately 600km north-west of Sydney.
Planned upgrades to the Moree water treatment system to improve drinking water security, treatment reliability, monitoring and capacity. Current Moree Plains Shire planning documents continue to identify water treatment works under the Integrated Water Cycle Management program, alongside other water infrastructure upgrades across the shire.
Staged upgrades to Moree Regional Airport led by Moree Plains Shire Council to increase capacity and resilience for passenger, freight and aeromedical operations supporting the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a $105 million upgrade of Moree Hospital at 58 Victoria Terrace, Moree, in north-west NSW, delivered by Health Infrastructure NSW. It provides a new two-storey Acute Services Building with an expanded emergency department, operating theatres, medical imaging, pathology, and maternity, birthing and inpatient units.
Phase Two of the Narrabri to North Star project involves upgrading approximately 13km of existing track crossing the Mehi-Gwydir floodplain from Alice Street, Moree to the eastern side of the Moree Gun Club, plus construction of approximately 2km of new track at Camurra, north of Moree.
Affordable housing program led by the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) to deliver culturally appropriate homes for Aboriginal families in Moree, with community-oriented features and design. Recent AHO activity in Moree includes delivery of modular duplex homes via contracted builders; this record tracks a broader 45-dwelling program across the township.
The project consolidated Moree Secondary College's two campuses into a single operational campus at Albert Street, with associated minor upgrades and works to enable one-site delivery from Term 1 2024.
Proposed 140 MW DC solar farm with a 100 MW battery energy storage system on about 312 hectares of private rural land north-east of Narrabri. The project is in the Environmental Impact Statement phase of the NSW State Significant Development process after receiving SEARs on 5 July 2024.
A NSW Government Special Activation Precinct at Moree, on the Newell Highway near the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail, for horticulture, agrifood processing, freight, logistics and renewable energy. The masterplan covers 4,716 hectares with a 40-year vision for up to 4,000 jobs.
Substantial rebuild and refurbishment of Moree East Public School delivering around 15 new and refurbished classrooms, two shared learning spaces, a new hall and library, and upgrades to community hub facilities to support modern teaching and learning.
Program to remediate burnt and derelict housing throughout Moree, improving community safety and housing availability.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 16 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 2, 2026 5, 2027 6, 2028 3. 14 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 297 substantial development applications lodged in and around Walgett - Lightning Ridge over the past 5 years, 193 in the last 12 months; 59 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 5, 2022 17, 2023 23, 2024 22, 2025 44, 2026 (to Oct) 186.
Key application 46 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge NDIS/Dis. | $4.5m | 6 dwellings | 1 storey
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 297 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 193 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 1.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 10th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 6 | ABS building approvals | 13th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 121 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 59 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Currently, there are limited major infrastructure and planning changes identified for Walgett - Lightning Ridge in the available data.
Infrastructure projects impacting the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 encompass various sectors supporting community growth and economic development.
While specific investment values are not publicly disclosed for all projects impacting the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, the area shows active development across multiple infrastructure categories within 15km.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 25th percentile.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Walgett - Lightning Ridge is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 area has seen 22 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2's current population of 5,722 has been supported by 6 approvals on average over recent years.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 6, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 has seen 29 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,722 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +3.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 0 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 4th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 5,534 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 188 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -1.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 27,011.13 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 was estimated to be approximately 5,722 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,708 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2 has added approximately 188 people and shown a 3.40% increase from the 5,534 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is estimated at 0 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of -1.7% per annum.
Population growth in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is driven by: Natural increase (64.5%), Overseas migration (35.5%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Natural increase, contributing 64.5% of overall population gains.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 74th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 23.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 20.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 19.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 45.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 44 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 7.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 9.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 10.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 10.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 14.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 14.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 7.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 at 44 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 44 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 44 years as at August 2026, Walgett - Lightning Ridge is comparable to the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 6 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 0 - 4 group, making up 7.9% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 15 - 24 group, making up 9.5% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age group is 0-4 year-olds (7.9% vs 5.6%). The most under-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (1.9% vs 2.9%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 20.7% of the population in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 23.9% of the population in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 8% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $47,398 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 8th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $55,729 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $991 | 2021 Census, weekly | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $547 | 2021 Census, weekly | 6th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 10.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,353 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 40.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is approximately $50,422. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $47,398.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is approximately $59,285. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $55,729.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is approximately $50,422 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $47,398 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is approximately $59,285 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $55,729 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2's households (~28.2% / 498 households) is the $400 - 799 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is the $400 - 799 group, representing about 28.2% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $991/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $1,353/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $547/wk.
The Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,398 and the average income stands at $55,729, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $50,422 (median) and $59,285 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $3,862 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2's disposable income is $3,862 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment drivers in Walgett - Lightning Ridge are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 14% of areas assessed across Australia.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 53.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 2,200 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 5,481 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 2,381 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 has approximately 2,200 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 7.6%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 stands at 7.6%, which is 3.5 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are agriculture, forestry & fishing (28.3% of employment), education & training (14.3%), and health care & social assistance (12.3%). These three sectors alone account for 54.9% of local employment, indicating significant concentration. Other significant employers include public administration & safety and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is 53.0%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2 shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 28.3% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 5.3, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 10.0% growth, ranking 7th out of 37 regions nationally.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 13.6% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.4% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 16.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 32.1% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 11.5% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 39.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 39.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.1% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 17.6% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 10.9% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
16.7% of people aged 15 and over in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
39.6% of people aged 15 and over in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2 ranks in the 19th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 are: Certificate (32.1%), Bachelor Degree (13.6%), Advanced Diploma (11.5%).
39.3% of the population in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 17.6% in primary school, 10.9% in secondary school, 3.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is 803, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 9 schools within the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 875 students.
The walgett - lightning ridge sa2 includes 5 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 3 combined schools.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.2 people | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 37.3% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 18.1% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 27.1% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 3.5% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,765 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,825 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 59.0% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.1 per family | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 had 1,765 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.4% to an estimated 1,825 households today.
The average household size in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is 2.2 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 59.0% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (37.3%), group households (3.5%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,041 family households, couples with children account for 18.1% of all households, couples without children at home 27.1%, and single parent families 12.6%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 37.3% (versus 27.9% in Regional NSW). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 59.0% compared to 68.8% in Regional NSW. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 have an average of 2.1 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 35.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 42.5% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 37.3% of all households in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, higher than the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 3.5% of households, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 11.1% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 6.8% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 93.2% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 71.3% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 88.9% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 20.7% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
Walgett - Lightning Ridge was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 71.3% of its population being citizens, 88.9% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Walgett - Lightning Ridge was found to be Christianity, which makes up 57.7% of people in Walgett - Lightning Ridge. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Walgett - Lightning Ridge are Australian, comprising 27.0% of the population, English, comprising 23.2% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's 30.5%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 20.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional NSW's 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Walgett - Lightning Ridge (vs 0.2% across Regional NSW), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Croatian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
11.1% of the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
6.8% of the population in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
20.7% of the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
71.3% of the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 37.0% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 46.0% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 81.1% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $852 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 5th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 17.1% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 3.5% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $179 | 2021 Census, weekly | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 18.1% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 24th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 19.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 13th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, 46.0% of homes are owned outright, 17.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 37.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 81.1% of dwellings in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 are houses.
In the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, 1.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 3.5% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 stands at 46.0%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $852, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is $432, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 19.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 18.1% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 19.8% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 18.1% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 consists of 81.1% detached houses, 3.5% semi-detached dwellings, 1.3% apartments, and 14.1% other dwelling types.
Housing in Walgett - Lightning Ridge consumes approximately 10.1% of median household income ($4,291 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Walgett - Lightning Ridge show attached dwellings contributing 55% of approvals compared to 19% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 45% of applications versus 81% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health performance in Walgett - Lightning Ridge is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 46.7% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 7th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 63.5% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.8% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 72.2% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 3.1% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
Around 46.7% of people in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, 5.8% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
7.8% of people in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 6.8% of the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
5.4% of people in the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2, 46.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 33 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 243 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 94th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 240 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 16th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 24 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 29 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 15.1% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 243 public transport stops within the Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2.
The Walgett - Lightning Ridge SA2 has 240 weekly trips across 29 routes, averaging 34 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 1840 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 7.2 km away and the nearest child care centre 9.9 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 243 stops nearby, 240 weekly trips, access rating 33 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 7 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 7th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 7.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 9.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 12.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 14.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 14.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 14.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 21.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 22.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 49.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 3 long day care centres with 108 places in Walgett - Lightning Ridge, about 4.2 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Walgett - Lightning Ridge is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Walgett - Lightning Ridge.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Walgett - Lightning Ridge is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge's affordable property market has recorded 138 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 70% residential, 21% commercial and 9% vacant land transactions.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 8% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
Employment drivers in Walgett - Lightning Ridge are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 14% of areas assessed across Australia.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Walgett - Lightning Ridge is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Walgett - Lightning Ridge has an estimated 5,722 residents, up 3.4% since the 2021 Census, with 42 projects tracked in the area around Walgett - Lightning Ridge.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Walgett - Lightning Ridge.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Sep 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (105011096). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Walgett - Lightning Ridge from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Walgett - Lightning Ridge with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
