Lightning Ridge

Lightning Ridge has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Lightning Ridge is around 2,003 people. This figure reflects a growth of 57 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,946. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,995 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and two validated new addresses added post-Census. The current population density is approximately 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Between the Census periods of 2016 and 2021, Lightning Ridge's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area by 0.3%, demonstrating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth accounted for roughly 70% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where necessary, with a 2021 base year. Looking ahead, projections indicate an overall population decline by 514 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 22 individuals.

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

Lightning Ridge has seen minimal development activity over the past five years, with an average of less than one approval per year, totaling three. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Lightning Ridge has exhibited notably less construction activity compared to the Rest of NSW, with its development pattern falling below national averages. With stable or declining population forecasts, Lightning Ridge may face less housing pressure, potentially creating favorable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lightning Ridge may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Lightning Ridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance as much as modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Queensland Southern Rez, Newell Highway Upgrade, NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Lightning Ridge face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lightning Ridge has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services. The unemployment rate is 14.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 615 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is high at 11.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Lightning Ridge is significantly lower at 37.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong focus on accommodation & food, with an employment share that is 2.2 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.3%, while employment declined by 9.2%, causing a significant rise in unemployment rate of 5.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a mild employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Lightning Ridge's employment could increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Lightning Ridge is below the national average. The median assessed income is $35,792 and the average income stands at $42,910. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $40,305 (median) and $48,321 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Lightning Ridge all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 37.4% of residents (749 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike trends in the region where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area. Housing costs are modest with 87.7% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

Lightning Ridge displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Lightning Ridge's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.0% houses and 31.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lightning Ridge stood at 51.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.3% and rented ones at 34.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,000 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Lightning Ridge was $200, below Non-Metro NSW's $180 and Australia's average of $375.

Lightning Ridge features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 51.7% of all households, including 14.7% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.3%, with lone person households at 43.8% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is high at 34.2%, including 13.5% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Lightning Ridge Central School serves the area with an enrollment of 349 students. The school offers integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. The area's educational conditions are varied (ICSEA: 798).

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

Lightning Ridge has 79 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of train and bus services. There are 9 individual routes in total, offering 74 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 398 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lightning Ridge faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 44% (~881 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.1% across the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.3%) and mental health issues (9.3%).

Conversely, 54.9% report no medical ailments, lower than the 65.9% in the rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.2% (604 people), higher than the 20.2% in the rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Lightning Ridge records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lightning Ridge's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 75.4% citizens, 80.8% born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 50.4%, compared to 67.2% in Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (24.2%), English (23.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.9%).

Notably, Serbian (2.0%) Hungarian (0.7%), and Croatian (1.4%) ethnicities are more prevalent in Lightning Ridge than regionally (Serbian 0.2%, Hungarian 0.1%, Croatian 0.2%).

Lightning Ridge ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Lightning Ridge has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Lightning Ridge has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (7.2%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 0 to 4 grew from 4.6% to 5.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 18.2% to 16.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Lightning Ridge's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 48%, reaching 80 from 54. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who will comprise 100% of the projected population increase. Conversely, both the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to see a reduction in numbers.