Walgett

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Walgett statistical area (Lv2) is around 1,931. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 1,824 people, marking a growth of 107 individuals or approximately 5.9%. The population estimate was derived by AreaSearch following analysis of resident population data and address validation since the Census date. Based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024, the estimated resident population was 1,921. This results in a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer for Walgett (SA2). The area's growth rate since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.5%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region.

Natural growth contributed approximately 70% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Walgett (SA2) population is expected to decline over this period, reducing by 536 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 12 people.

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

Walgett saw six dwelling approvals over the five-year period ending 2019. This equates to approximately one dwelling approval per year. The low development levels reflect Walgett's rural nature, with housing needs driving development rather than broad market demand.

Note that the small sample size can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Walgett has substantially lower development levels. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. As of 2019, the area's estimated population per dwelling approval was 1276 people.

With stable or declining population forecasts, Walgett may face less housing pressure, potentially creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Walgett has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Inland Rail from Narromine to Narrabri, the Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan, the Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan, and upgrades to the Newell Highway. The following list specifies those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Walgett are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Walgett has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 866 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Walgett is significantly lower at 43.5%, compared to 56.4% in the Rest of NSW. Key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and education & training. Walgett has a particular specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.2 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 4.0% of Walgett's workforce compared to 9.7% in the Rest of NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period prior, labour force decreased by 3.2%, while employment declined by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with the Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Walgett's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Walgett suburb's income level is above national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Walgett suburb is $61,884 and average income stands at $74,191, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $67,367 (median) and $80,764 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Walgett suburb, between 38th and 53rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of the population (602 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 91.4% retained, but disposable income sits below average at 47th percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Walgett is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Walgett's dwellings were 92.1% houses and 7.8% other types at the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.0% houses and 10.0% others. Home ownership in Walgett was 29.7%, with mortgages at 22.7% and rentals at 47.5%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $970, below Non-Metro NSW's $1,000 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rents in Walgett were $175, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $180 and the national figure of $375.

Walgett has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Walgett fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In Walgett, 23.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 46.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.6% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high, with 50.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 22.2% in primary, 13.0% in secondary, and 6.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 50.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 22.2% in primary education, 13.0% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Walgett has 70 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 10 routes offering 114 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 169 meters.

On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

The level of general health in Walgett is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Walgett exhibits above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~1,085 people) have private health cover, which is higher than the 49.5% average across Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 8.3%) and diabetes (6.5%), while 71.6% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 65.9% in Rest of NSW. Walgett has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 15.1% (291 people), compared to the 20.2% average in Rest of NSW. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Walgett are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

Walgett is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Walgett had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 61.0% citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 60.6%, compared to 67.2% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups were Australian (28.0%), Australian Aboriginal (26.0%), higher than regional averages, and English (21.1%).

Notable differences included Welsh at 0.7% in Walgett versus 0.3% regionally, French at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and Irish at 7.9% compared to 8.0%.

Walgett's population is younger than the national pattern

Walgett's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.1% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.3%. Following the census conducted on Tuesday 10 August 2021, the 0-4 age group grew from 7.8% to 9.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.3% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Walgett's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 61%, adding 11 residents to reach 31. By this year, demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. However, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 25-34 cohorts.