Wentworth-Balranald Region

Wentworth-Balranald Region has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Wentworth-Balranald Region's population, as of November 2025, is around 3755. This figure reflects a growth of 107 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3648. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3678 in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. The region's growth rate of 2.9% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5%. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.6% 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. 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 years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the region's population is expected to decline by 462 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably an increase of 18 people in the 85 and over age group.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wentworth-Balranald Region, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Wentworth-Balranald Region has granted approximately 9 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. In FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded to date. The average construction value of new properties is $351,000. This region has seen $9.6 million in commercial development approvals this financial year.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Wentworth-Balranald Region shows around 61% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally, indicating limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 471 people. With stable or declining population expected, reduced pressure on housing may create buying opportunities in the region.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Wentworth-Balranald Region should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Wentworth-Balranald Region has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 71 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Koorakee Energy Park, Euston Critical Minerals Project, Nyah Netball Courts and Lighting, and Robinvale Netball Courts Lighting Project. 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.

The labour market in Wentworth-Balranald Region shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wentworth-Balranald Region has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year.

There are 2,255 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 7.7 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 8.6% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% and labour force increased by 1.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wentworth-Balranald Region's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The Wentworth-Balranald Region SA2 had an income level below the national average in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers was $44,594 and the average income stood at $52,458, compared to figures for Rest of NSW's of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,217 (median) and $59,073 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wentworth-Balranald Region, between the 29th and 37th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (1,216 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 91.7% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 38th percentile.

Wentworth-Balranald Region is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Wentworth-Balranald Region, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 92.7% houses and 7.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Wentworth-Balranald Region was higher than Non-Metro NSW at 48.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the region was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Wentworth-Balranald Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wentworth-Balranald Region has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 70.8% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Wentworth-Balranald Region faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications at 10.2%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.9% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in the Wentworth-Balranald Region shows that there are currently 143 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The region is serviced by 22 individual routes, which collectively provide 235 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 7687 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 33 trips per day, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

Wentworth-Balranald Region's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

The Wentworth-Balranald Region's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The region has an extremely low rate of private health cover, at approximately 46% (1,734 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.5% and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 70.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's figure of 65.8%. In terms of age demographics, 21.9% (821 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NSW's 22.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in the region are above average, generally mirroring the overall population's health profile.

Wentworth-Balranald Region ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wentworth-Balranald Region had a cultural diversity level below average, with 79.0% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wentworth-Balranald Region, accounting for 57.8% of people, compared to 57.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.5%), English (29.3%), and Scottish (8.1%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity was overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ethnicity was higher at 4.2% than the regional average of 5.9%, while Samoan ethnicity was present at 0.2%, whereas it was not reported regionally.

Wentworth-Balranald Region's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wentworth-Balranald Region is 43 years, matching the Rest of NSW figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The region's age profile shows a notable proportion (14.5%) of individuals aged 55-64, while those aged 15-24 comprise a smaller share (8.6%) compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population share of those aged 35-44 has increased from 10.9% to 12.8%, while the 65-74 age group has risen from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 11.8%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wentworth-Balranald Region's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 16 people (16%), reaching 102 from the current figure of 87. Notably, all population growth will come from those aged 65 and above, reflecting the region's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 75-84 and 25-34 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.