Wentworth-Balranald Region

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the Wentworth-Balranald Region's population is around 3,769 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 121 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,648 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,677 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. The Wentworth-Balranald Region's 3.3% growth since the census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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 462 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 18 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 9 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 48 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $351,000. Additionally, $9.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Wentworth-Balranald Region shows approximately 61% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 471 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 72 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Koorakee Energy Park, Euston Critical Minerals Project, Nyah Netball Courts and Lighting, and Robinvale Netball Courts Lighting Project, 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.

The employment environment in Wentworth-Balranald Region shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wentworth-Balranald Region has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. As of December 2025, 2,213 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.2% 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, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 7.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 8.6% 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 Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9% alongside a 2.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, 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 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 FY-23. The Wentworth-Balranald Region SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,377 and the average income stands at $54,346, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, 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), 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

Dwelling structure within Wentworth-Balranald Region, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% 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 Wentworth-Balranald Region was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wentworth-Balranald Region's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 70.8% of all households, comprising 28.0% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.0%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 158 active transport stops operating within the Wentworth-Balranald Region, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 272 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3819 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

The Wentworth-Balranald Region 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 very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,763 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.5% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 70.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (829 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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

The Wentworth-Balranald Region was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 79.0% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in the Wentworth-Balranald Region is Christianity, which makes up 57.8% 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 the Wentworth-Balranald Region are Australian, comprising 29.5% of the population, English, comprising 29.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 7.6% of the Wentworth-Balranald Region (vs 2.1% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% (vs 4.6%) and Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

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

With a median age of 43, the Wentworth-Balranald Region is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.6%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (8.3%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.4% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.2% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in the Wentworth-Balranald Region's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 6% (5 people), reaching 102 from 96. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.