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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Barham is $482k, with units at $292k. House values have moved 6.6% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Barham has an estimated 1,618 residents, up from 1,569 at the 2021 Census — a change of 49 people, or 3.1%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Barham is projected to be approximately 1,618 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 49 individuals (3.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,569 residents. This shift is calculated from the local population of 1,617, determined by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 22 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population size results in a density of 3.4 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment.
The 3.1% census-to-date expansion rate of the suburb of Barham lags the SA3 region (4.8%) by 1.7 percentage points, showing competitive local dynamics. The primary driver of local growth was overseas migration, which was responsible for roughly 79.0% of the overall population rise in recent times. AreaSearch incorporates projections from Geoscience Australia and the ABS for each SA2 unit, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. In cases where SA2 locations lack this data, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are substituted. Projected growth rates across age cohorts from these models are also applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic forecasts, the suburb of Barham is set to experience population growth slightly under the median of Australia's regional locations. The combined SA2 projections indicate an increase of 164 individuals by 2041, representing a total expansion of 10.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Barham is minimal, averaging 2 dwelling approvals annually, which equates to 13 approvals over a five-year timeframe. This quiet construction landscape is typical of rural settings where housing requirements are low and development is restricted by local demand and infrastructure limits. Because approval volumes are so small, individual development projects can have a disproportionate effect on yearly changes and comparative data. Barham experiences much less building activity than the Rest of NSW, and this low rate is also below the national average. Additionally, all recent construction projects have been detached houses, reflecting a rural preference for spaciousness and privacy.
The ratio of 1602 residents per single approved dwelling highlights the quiet, low-scale development environment. Looking forward, the population of Barham is projected to increase by 163 residents through to 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current level, residential supply might struggle to keep pace with demand, which could increase competition among buyers and support higher property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barham
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 52 current infrastructure and development projects close to Barham, worth an estimated $14.7 billion. 15 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning revisions, and regional development initiatives significantly shape area performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Relevant developments include the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), the South West Renewable Energy Zone, EnergyConnect, and the Regional Housing Fund, with details provided below for those of highest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment)
Upgrade of the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), expansion of the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and replacement of operating room equipment. Funded by a $3.5 million package from the Victorian Government, the project involved refurbishing the CSSD to meet AS 4187 standards, adding two bed bays to the PACU, and installing a new reverse osmosis water filtration system. Construction required a temporary closure of surgical services from September 2024 until May 2025. The upgrades ensure local access to surgery and reduce procedure cancellations by modernising critical sterilisation and monitoring infrastructure.
Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West)
VNI West is a proposed 500 kV double circuit overhead transmission interconnector linking the NSW and Victorian high voltage electricity grids. The preferred option runs from Transgrid's Dinawan Substation north of Jerilderie to new substations proposed near Kerang and Bulgana, connecting EnergyConnect in NSW with Western Renewables Link in Victoria. The project is intended to increase transfer capacity between the states, support renewable energy zones, improve reliability and security of supply, and enable regional jobs and community benefits.The NSW section has completed EIS exhibition and Transgrid is preparing Submissions and Amendment Reports for lodgement in mid-2026. The Victorian section is preparing an Environment Effects Statement, with VicGrid responsible for planning and Iberdrola Australia selected as development partner.
Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS)
A $400 million, 185 MW / 370 MWh grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) featuring 100 Tesla Megapacks with advanced grid-forming inverters. The project provides critical system strength services under a 20-year agreement with AEMO, enabling an additional 300 MW of renewable generation in the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). It is capable of powering 350,000 homes for two hours and operates under a 15-year offtake agreement with Shell Energy.
Kerang CBD Redevelopment
Redevelopment of Kerang's central business district (Stages 3 and 4), including upgraded concrete paving (replacing uneven pavers) and wider footpaths for improved accessibility, new street furniture and trees, landscaping (new garden beds), remodelled kerbing, and new lighting, particularly around the Karlie McDonald Memorial Clock. The project's goal was to revitalise the CBD to be attractive and functional, improving accessibility and increasing foot traffic.
Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid
Kerang Hybrid is a 161 MW DC solar farm co-located with a 55 MW / 110 MWh AC-coupled Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on private land adjacent to the Kerang Terminal Station. It received Development Approval from Gannawarra Shire Council and AEMO 5.3.4A grid connection approval in July 2025. Construction is targeted to commence in Q4 2025.
Kerang Solar Plant
A 37.2 MWp solar plant using single axis trackers and bifacial modules, spanning over 64 hectares near Kerang in Victoria's Gannawarra Shire. The plant reached full output in mid-2025 and was officially opened in October 2025 by developer and operator British Solar Renewables. Exporting up to 30 MW AC into the grid via the Kerang Zone Substation, the facility supplies clean electricity to around 6,000 homes annually and avoids up to 40,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions each year.BSR is now progressing plans for co-located battery storage at the site.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Redevelopment
Redevelopment creating a modern space honoring the gallery's legacy with expanded exhibition areas, dedicated workshop zones, improved storage for artworks, and upgraded environmental systems.
Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Experience Centre
The Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Experience Centre is a new single-storey purpose-built entry facility at Pioneer Settlement on Monash Drive, Swan Hill. The 45-metre long building consolidates tourism and community functions including a visitor information centre, multipurpose exhibition spaces, staff offices, shop, and a Traditional Owner meeting area for the Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa peoples. The design features gable roofs that mimic the Pioneer Settlements triangular roof forms and includes a deep verandah overlooking gardens.The centre opened in December 2025, replacing the former Visitor Information Centre on Curlewis Street.
736 residents of Barham are employed, from a labour force of 782. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, with participation at 54.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,296, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Barham is characterized by a balanced labor force split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, with an unemployment rate of 5.9% according to aggregated statistical data from AreaSearch. In March 2026736 local residents were employed. The local unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower at 54.4% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a low 12.7% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.
The local workforce is heavily concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, representing 3.4 times the regional proportion. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented at 11.3% of local jobs compared to 16.9% regionally. A comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests a shortage of local employment opportunities. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader regions shows that in the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 4.4% and total employment fell by 5.8%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future labor demand in Barham can be analyzed using national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trends vary by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local employment profile indicates that Barham's workforce could grow by 5.4% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Barham is $995 a week (about $52,000 a year), with median personal income at $571 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,413 a year against an average of $47,891. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Barham are below the national benchmark, with a median of $39,413 and an average of $47,891. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $43,480 for the median and $52,833 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Barham between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally.
The largest income cohort consists of 29.0% of residents (469 individuals) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which contrasts with the broader region where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. A high concentration of lower-income households (41.5% earning under $800/week) points to limited household budgets. Although housing costs are low, allowing residents to retain 90.1% of their income, total disposable income sits in the 7th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Barham had 672 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 85% detached houses and 2% apartments. 21% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 56% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $185 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,148 a month. Rent absorbs 18.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Barham consisted of 85.0% separate houses and 15.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership is high, with 55.6% of properties owned outright, while 20.7% are mortgaged and 23.7% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,148 is below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $185 is lower than the regional average of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Barham are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Barham counted 672 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 16% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 37% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 60.4% of all households, with 15.9% being couples with children, 37.1% being couples without children, and 6.5% being single parents. The remaining 39.6% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 37.4% and group living situations at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.4% of adults in Barham hold a university qualification, including 10.1% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 87% of areas nationally. A further 26.7% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 317 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 957 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area presents challenges, with 13.4% of residents holding a university qualification, which is lower than the NSW state average of 32.2%. Among these higher qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 10.1%, graduate diplomas account for 2.0%, and postgraduate degrees make up 1.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 26.7%. A total of 21.5% of residents are enrolled in formal studies. This group is composed of 8.0% in primary school, 6.3% in high school, and 2.5% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Barham means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Barham feature 55 active stops utilizing bus services. These stops support 7 distinct routes, which provide a total of 72 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 379 meters from their closest stop. As a residential hub, commuting is common, with driving remaining the primary mode of travel at 87% and walking accounting for 11%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per household. Work-from-home rates were relatively low at 12.7% during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.
The average service frequency is 10 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 1 weekly service for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.0% of residents in Barham report no long-term health condition. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes for Barham residents are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligning closely with national averages. Common health issues are distributed normally across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance coverage is low at roughly 46% of the population, representing about 743 individuals, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 13.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.0% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW.
Chronic conditions are slightly more common among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 40.1% of the population (648 individuals), which is higher than the Regional NSW proportion of 23.4%. Senior citizens in the area show strong health outcomes that exceed national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Barham is largely Australian-born, at 91.9% of residents, with 3.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.2%) and English (33.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Barham is lower than average, with citizens making up 92.0% of the population, 91.9% of residents born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 57.7% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestral background, the most common heritages are Australian at 34.2%, English at 33.1%, and Irish at 9.8%. Some ethnic groups show distinct local concentrations: Sri Lankan ancestry accounts for 0.4% of the population compared to 0.1% regionally, Scottish ancestry represents 8.7% compared to 8.0%, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry is 2.5% compared to 4.6% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barham is 58, older than 98% of areas nationally. 16.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 58 in Barham is older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 20.8%, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 6.8%. This 65 - 74 group is larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 18.5% to 20.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 6.6% to 8.5%, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 18.1% to 15.7%.
Projections indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 42% (83 individuals) to reach 284 people from an initial 200. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 77% of the total growth, while the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Barham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 22 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,569 at the 2021 Census → 1,618 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10200). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.