Culcairn (NSW)

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As of February 2026, the estimated population of Culcairn is around 1,589. This reflects an increase of 106 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,483. The change was inferred from Districts' estimation of the resident population at 1,484 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4.9 persons per square kilometer. Culcairn's growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW's rate of 5.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

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Culcairn has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the town. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, according to Districts' aggregation of statistical area data.

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Districts' aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Culcairn had a median taxpayer income of $40,863 and an average of $50,830. Nationally, the averages were $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,483 (median) and $55,334 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended June 2023. Census 2021 data places Culcairn's household, family, and personal incomes between the 11th and 14th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket captures 27.9% of Culcairn residents (443 individuals), similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for income retention, total disposable income ranks at the th percentile nationally.

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The dwelling structure in Culcairn, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Culcairn stood at 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Culcairn was $220, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Culcairn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 31.4%.

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Culcairn has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 routes, facilitating 701 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good with an average distance of 279 meters to the nearest stop for residents. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, while walking accounts for 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

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Culcairn faces significant health challenges, according to Districts' assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among younger and older age cohorts alike. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~748 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Culcairn's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Culcairn, comprising 65.1% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.8%), English (29.1%), and Scottish (9.8%).

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Culcairn's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Culcairn has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group of 25 to 34 years has grown from 6.9% to 8.3%. Conversely, the age groups of 45 to 54 have declined from 10.9% to 9.8%, and those aged 55 to 64 have dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, Culcairn's population is expected to experience notable changes in age composition. The group aged to is projected to grow by , reaching from while the group aged to is projected to decline by people.

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Culcairn currently has an estimated 87 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 57 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 97 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 181. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.