Broken Hill

Broken Hill has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Broken Hill's population is estimated at 17,678 as of February 2026, a decrease of 28 people since the 2021 Census. This reflects a resident population of 17,654, with an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1.4 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Broken Hill has shown resilient growth patterns with a -0.6% compound annual growth rate. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 4,174 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to grow by 107 people.

The level of residential development activity in Broken Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Broken Hill has averaged approximately six dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, around 33 homes were approved, with five more approved in the current financial year 2026. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $434,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $24.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Broken Hill has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 8th percentile nationally for buyer choices, suggesting limited options and supporting demand for existing homes. The area's established nature is reflected in its lower-than-average national dwelling approval levels, potentially indicating planning limitations.

All recent development has been standalone homes, maintaining Broken Hill's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. With an estimated 2723 people per dwelling approval, the area has a quiet, low activity development environment. Stable or declining population is expected, which should reduce housing pressure and create potential buying opportunities.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Silver City Energy Storage Centre, Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment - MHIPU, ED Upgrade and Key Worker Accommodation, Broken Hill Community Health Centre, and Broken Hill Town Square Redevelopment.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Broken Hill has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Broken Hill has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Broken Hill is lower at 52.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Only 5.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment among residents is concentrated in healthcare & social assistance (30%), mining (27%), and retail trade (18%). Broken Hill has a significant employment specialization in mining, with an employment share 4.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the year ending September 2025, Broken Hill's labour force decreased by 4.1%, with employment declining by 4.8%. This resulted in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment contraction, a 0.1% labour force fall, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Broken Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Broken Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $52,239 with the average level standing at $62,857. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,867 (median) and $68,426 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Broken Hill all fall between the 11th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 27.0% of the community (4,773 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 90.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

Broken Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Broken Hill's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% 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 Broken Hill stood at 44.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Broken Hill was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Broken Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Broken Hill features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.8% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.2%, consisting of 37.0% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Broken Hill faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

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

Broken Hill has 111 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 18 routes that facilitate 707 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically residing 231 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward, primarily using cars (93%), while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 5.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 101 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Broken Hill is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Broken Hill faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with approximately 52% of the total population (~9,158 people) having private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and asthma (10.2%), while 56.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. As of 24 June 2021, 24.0% of Broken Hill's population is aged 65 and over (4,242 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Broken Hill placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Broken Hill's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population comprised 89.1% citizens, with 94.4% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 43.8%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to the Rest of NSW, being 0.0% locally versus 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 34.2%, English 29.9%, and Australian Aboriginal 7.3%. Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.2% (regional average: 0.4%), Germans at 3.6% (3.1%), and Filipinos at 1.1% (0.6%).

Broken Hill hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Broken Hill is 43 years, matching the figure for Rest of NSW and exceeding the national average of 38 years. Among age groups, those aged 25-34 are notably prominent at 12.8%, while the 45-54 group stands at 10.0%, lower than in Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.7% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 12.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Broken Hill's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 25 people, reaching 664 from 530. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 75-84 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.