Warialda

Warialda is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Warialda statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 1,480 people according to the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this figure is projected to have increased to around 1,505, reflecting a rise of 25 people or 1.7%. This growth can be attributed to an increase in resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density ratio is approximately 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Comparing this growth rate to the SA3 area's 3.1% increase since census, Warialda's 1.7% growth positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the larger area, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed roughly 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Warialda (SA2).

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to all areas, the Warialda (SA2) is projected to increase its population by 182 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 11.2% over the 17-year period. This anticipated growth aligns with projections for above median population growth in Australia's non-metropolitan areas.

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

Warialda had 13 dwelling approvals over the five-year period ending in 2021. This minimal residential development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects, given such low approval numbers.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Warialda has much lower development activity. New building activity comprised 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current 96.0% houses pattern. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. As of 2021, there were an estimated 993 people per dwelling approval in Warialda. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 169 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Warialda has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects include: - Inland Rail: North Star to NSW-Queensland Border - Inland Rail: Narrabri to North Star - Phase One - Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements - Queensland New South Wales Interconnector.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Warialda ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Warialda's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.

Over the past year, employment has remained stable. As of September 2025664 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 47.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 3.6 times more residents than the regional average, while accommodation & food services employ fewer locals at 4.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 7.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels remained stable (0.0% change), but employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National projections forecast total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Warialda's employment mix suggests local job growth could be around 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Warialda's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Warialda is $37,459 and the average income stands at $43,534. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $40,778 (median) and $47,391 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Warialda all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates that the largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with a total of 472 residents in this bracket. This contrasts with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. In Warialda, 41.9% earn under $800 per week, indicating significant income constraints that may impact local spending patterns. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.9% of income retention, the total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Warialda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Warialda was at 53.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. The median weekly rent in Warialda was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $240. Nationally, Warialda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.8 percent of all households, including 20.9 percent composed of couples with children, 30.1 percent consisting of couples without children, and 10.5 percent being single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2 percent, with lone person households comprising 34.1 percent and group households making up 3.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high at 26.6%, with 12.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Warialda shows 73 active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop.

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

Warialda faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 44% (~665 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 46.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and asthma (9.3%), with 57.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 61.0% in Rest of NSW.

Warialda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.4% (457 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Senior health outcomes are challenging but better than the general population metrics.

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

Warialda had a cultural diversity level below average, with 92.6% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 98.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Warialda, comprising 69.8% of people, compared to 64.8% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (38.8%), English (32.8%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, Hungarian representation was higher at 0.4%, Australian Aboriginal was lower at 5.6%, and Maori was slightly higher at 0.5%.

Warialda ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Warialda's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Warialda at 15.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 35-44 are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decline in the 45 to 54 cohort from 11.8% to 10.7%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, Warialda is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 27%, reaching 208 people from a previous count of 164. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.