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 3,744 as of May 2026, reflecting a growth of 96 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a 2.6% rise from the previous census figure of 3,648 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,725 in June 2025 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Wentworth-Balranald Region's growth rate of 2.6% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains in 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 470 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 16 people.

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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. The average construction value for new properties is $351,000. This region has seen around $9.6 million in commercial development approvals this financial year.

Compared to the rest of NSW and nationally, Wentworth-Balranald Region shows lower levels of construction activity per person, ranking at approximately 62% and 38th percentile respectively. This indicates limited buyer options but strong demand for established properties. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density nature. The estimated population-to-dwelling approval ratio is 471 people per dwelling.

Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially easing housing pressure and creating buying opportunities.

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 has identified 72 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Koorakee Energy Park, Euston Critical Minerals Project, Nyah Netball Courts and Lighting, 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 employment environment in Wentworth-Balranald Region shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wentworth-Balranald Region had a balanced workforce in December 2025 with white and blue collar employment, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. It had 2,213 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation was high at 74.8% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses in December 2025, a moderate 18.2% of residents worked from home.

Leading employment industries among residents were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 7.7 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance had limited presence with 8.6% employment compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9%, employment declined by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points in Wentworth-Balranald Region. In Regional NSW during the same period, employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Wentworth-Balranald Region. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wentworth-Balranald Region's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $46,377 and the average income stood at $54,346, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,163 (median) and $59,955 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wentworth-Balranald Region rank modestly, between the 29th and 37th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.4% of residents (1,213 people), consistent with broader regional trends showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs were manageable with 91.7% retained, but disposable income was 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 evaluated dwelling structures in the Wentworth-Balranald Region as 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in the Wentworth-Balranald Region stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in the area averaged $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wentworth-Balranald Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 account for 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 make up 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, 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's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are 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 them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 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 Wentworth-Balranald Region has 158 operational public transport stops offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 272 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents on average situated 3819 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most inhabitants commute outward, primarily using cars (84%), while 11% walk. The region has an average vehicle ownership of 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 38 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops relative 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population, around 1,752 people, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis affecting 8.5% of residents and asthma impacting 8.1%. Approximately 70.5% of residents declare themselves 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 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over, around 834 people, which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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's cultural diversity was 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 main religion, comprising 57.8% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.5%), English (29.3%), and Scottish (8.1%).

Italian ethnicity was notably higher at 7.6%, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly lower at 4.2%. Samoan ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.2%.

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

Wentworth-Balranald Region has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The region's age profile is notable for its high percentage of individuals aged 55-64 (14.4%) and relatively low proportion of those aged 15-24 (8.6%), compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 10.9% to 13.0%, while the 65-74 age group grew from 12.3% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.5% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group fell from 15.6% to 14.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wentworth-Balranald Region's age structure. The most notable change is the growth of the 85+ age group by 7 people (a 7% increase), reaching a total of 103 from 95 previously. By that year, all population growth will be accounted for by individuals aged 65 and above, reflecting the region's aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.