Broken Hill (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Broken Hill is approximately 17,629 for May 2026. This represents a decline of 77 residents (0.4%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 17,706 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 17,629, which Districts determined by analyzing the ABS's June 2025 ERP release and identifying 10 validated new addresses since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 1.4 persons per square kilometer, indicating residents enjoy significant space. Throughout the past decade, the suburb of Broken Hill has shown steady growth trends with a -0.5% compound annual growth rate, performing better than the SA3 region. Population increases in the locality were almost entirely driven by migration from overseas, which acted as the sole source of population gains in recent times.

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Broken Hill possesses a well-apportioned labor market encompassing both professional and trade positions, with strong representation in critical public services, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and stable employment patterns over the prior year based on localized statistical data. By March 2026, 7,462 citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.1% below the 4.1% recorded for Regional NSW, though labor participation is notably lower at 52.7% compared to the regional figure of 60.6%. Census data indicates a minor 5.2% of workers carry out their roles from home, although the influence of pandemic lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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Based on tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of Broken Hill recorded a median taxpayer income of $52,239 and an average income of $62,857. These figures sit below the national average and compare to $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW, respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $57,630 for the median and $69,344 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Broken Hill fall in the 11th to 19th percentiles nationwide. The dominant bracket is $400 - 799, containing 27.0% of residents (4,759 people), which contrasts with regional trends where fall in the - range. Although housing expenditures are low, leaving of income retained, the overall disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally.

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Residential property types in Broken Hill at the time of the Census consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached properties, units, or other types, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was higher than the regional average, with 44.0% owned outright, while 31.2% were mortgaged and 24.8% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $867, substantially below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $220, compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 60.8% of local households, consisting of 19.3% couples with offspring, 25.9% couples without offspring, and 14.2% single parents. The remaining 39.2% are non-family households, which include lone person dwellings at 37.0% and group housing at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the regional average of 2.4.

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Local education statistics show lower rates of university completion, with 13.5% of residents holding a tertiary degree compared to the state average of 32.2%. This presents an area for targeted educational development. Bachelor degrees represent the top qualification at 9.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational training is prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 30.7%.

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Public transit infrastructure includes 111 active transit stops in Broken Hill, offering a combination of train and bus options. These locations are served by 18 separate routes, which provide a total of 707 passenger trips each week. Transit access is rated highly, with residents living an average of 231 meters from their nearest stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the suburb, with private vehicles serving as the primary transport method for 93% of workers, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 cars per household, below the regional average. A low 5.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during the pandemic.

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Public health analysis reveals notable challenges in Broken Hill, as reflected in local mortality statistics and chronic disease trends across various age brackets, alongside a low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 52% of the population, or about 9,133 residents.

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Cultural diversity in Broken Hill is below the national average, with citizens representing 89.1% of the population, 94.4% of residents born in Australia, and 96.3% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 43.8% of the population. A notable statistical outlier is the Jewish population, which comprises none of the community, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 44 years is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 and higher than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the area has a larger cohort of 25 - 34 year-olds (12.6%) but fewer residents aged 45 - 54 (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 10.7% to 12.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group shrank from 14.6% to 12.9% and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 11.5% to 10.1%. Significant age structure shifts are projected by 2041, with the + cohort growing by ( people) to reach from . This aging trend is highlighted by residents aged and over representing all of the projected population growth, while both the to and to age cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Broken Hill currently has an estimated 1,040 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 625 children aged 0-2 and 417 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 24% by 2041 (to approximately 786 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,607. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.