Wentworth-Balranald Region

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

Wentworth-Balranald Region's population was around 3,769 as of February 2026, reflecting a 121-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.3% rise from the previous census figure of 3,648 people. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,677 in June 2024 and the addition of 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Wentworth-Balranald Region's growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area average of 5.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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. Population projections indicate a decline over this period, with the area's population expected to contract 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 recorded approximately 9 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $351,000. In FY26, $9.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded.

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 somewhat 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 an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population to dwelling approval ratio is 471 people per approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 72 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Koorakee Energy Park, Euston Critical Minerals Project, Nyah Netball Courts and Lighting project, and Robinvale Netball Courts Lighting Project. 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.

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

Wentworth-Balranald Region had, as of September 2025, an unemployment rate of 2.3% with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year. It had a workforce participation rate of 77.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. The region's leading employment industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had an employment share of 7.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance had a limited presence at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force increased by 1.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points in Wentworth-Balranald Region. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, projected a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to the local employment mix suggests an increase of 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years for Wentworth-Balranald Region.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% and labour force increased by 1.4%, resulting in unemployment rise by 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 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wentworth-Balranald Region. 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 Wentworth-Balranald Region's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Wentworth-Balranald Region SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this region is $46,377 and the average income stands at $54,346. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,486 (median) and $59,161 (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 (1,221 people). This is 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 latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in the Wentworth-Balranald Region showed 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in the region was 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented dwellings at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wentworth-Balranald Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 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 the most common at 10.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ 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 transport analysis indicates 158 active transport stops operating within Wentworth-Balranald Region. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. The region is served by 24 individual routes, collectively offering 272 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3819 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 84%, with 11% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 18.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Wentworth-Balranald Region is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wentworth-Balranald Region faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,763 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and asthma (8.1%). 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The region has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (829 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 below average cultural diversity, with 79.0% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 57.8%. This compares to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.5%), English (29.3%), and Scottish (8.1%). Italian was notably overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 2.1%. Australian Aboriginal representation was 4.2%, slightly lower than the regional average of 4.6%. Samoan representation was 0.2%, higher than the regional average of 0.1%.

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

The median age in Wentworth-Balranald Region is 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38. The region's age profile shows a prominent group of 55-64 year-olds (14.6%) and a smaller proportion of 15-24 year-olds (8.3%), compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.9% to 13.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort rose from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.5% to 11.2%, and the 25 to 34 group fell from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wentworth-Balranald Region's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 6 people, reaching 102 from 96, led by the combined 65+ age groups accounting for all total population growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are projected to decline in population.