Walgett (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region and address information checked by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Walgett has an estimated population of 1,880 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 56 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, when the headcount was 1,824. The calculation is based on a resident population of 1,879, which was estimated by Districts analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 2 validated new addresses after the Census. This count translates to a density of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, which represents a highly spacious setting. The 3.1% population expansion in the suburb of Walgett since the 2021 census was ahead of the 1.3% growth in the SA3 area, as well as the SA4 territory, highlighting the locality as a regional leader in growth. Demographics were mainly propelled by natural increase, which was responsible for roughly 70.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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The local workforce contains a solid base of skilled individuals, particularly within essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.1% and a relatively steady job market over the prior year, according to aggregated district data. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 889, matching the 4.1% jobless rate recorded in Regional NSW, while the participation rate is relatively typical at 64.9% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census records indicate that a small proportion of 11.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though the influence of pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Based on the most recent postcode level tax statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Walgett recorded a median income of $61,884 and an average of $74,191. This exceeds the nationwide benchmarks and is higher than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $68,270 for the median and $81,848 for the average in March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal earnings at moderate levels, spanning the 38th to 53rd percentiles. The local income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 band, which accounts for 31.2% of residents (586 people), reflecting regional trends where 29.9% of the population falls into this category. Local housing outlays are manageable, with residents keeping 91.4% of their income, though disposable funds sit below the norm at the 47th percentile, and the SEIFA score for income sits in the 4th decile.

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The mix of residential properties in the suburb of Walgett at the last Census was made up of 92.1% separate houses and 7.8% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses, units, or other accommodation types, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses stood at 82.6% and other options at 17.4%. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Walgett was below the regional figure, recorded at 29.7%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (22.7%) or occupied by renters (47.5%). The median monthly home loan payment was $970, which is well below the regional average, while the median weekly rent was $175, compared to Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage outlays in the suburb of Walgett are far below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well under the national figure of $375.

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Families represent the majority of local households at 69.1%, which includes 20.9% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 15.1% single-parent homes. The remaining 30.9% consists of non-family households, with single-person households at 28.1% and group homes at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Attainment levels in the suburb of Walgett are below the regional averages, with 23.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 32.2% across NSW. This variance indicates opportunities for boosting education and local skills. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 18.9%, with postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas each sitting at 2.2%. Vocational skills are well represented, with 46.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.6%) and certificates (31.7%).

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Analysis of local transit options shows 71 public transport stops in the suburb of Walgett, consisting of a combination of train and bus connections. These stops are served by 10 different routes, which provide a total of 114 passenger departures each week. Transit accessibility is highly rated, with residents living an average of 169 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is mainly residential, with most workers traveling elsewhere; private cars are the primary mode of travel at 81%, while 17% of commuters walk. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A low 11.8% of residents worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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The local population faces notable health difficulties, according to data on mortality and long-term illness, with health conditions frequently observed in both younger and older cohorts, though the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at around 56% of the population (~1,057 people). This is above the 51.9% average for Regional NSW.

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The locality displays lower levels of ethnic diversity compared to wider averages, with citizens making up 61.0% of the population, 93.5% of residents born in Australia, and 93.7% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 60.6% of residents in the suburb of Walgett, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 35 years in the suburb of Walgett is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, there is a high concentration of children in the 0 - 4 age group (9.2% locally), while the 75 - 84 cohort is smaller (4.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 group grew from 7.8% to 9.2% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.2% to 10.3%. Demographic projections indicate the age profile of the suburb of Walgett will change by 2041. The group aged 85 and over is expected to grow by 55%, adding 11 residents to reach 32. This demographic aging is highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and older account for all of the projected growth. Conversely, reductions in population are expected for the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 groups.

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Walgett currently has an estimated 172 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 81 children aged 0-2 and 55 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 26% by 2041 (to approximately 127 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 188. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 17.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.