🔍

Balranald

NSW 2715 • Rest of NSW

1,240
Population (2021)
$35,724
Median Income
5203.74 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RuralOutbackAgriculturalAffordableRemote

About Balranald

Balranald is a small rural service town and the administrative centre of Balranald Shire in far south-western New South Wales, situated on the Sturt Highway near the confluence of the Murrumbidgee River approximately 870 kilometres west of Sydney. With a population of 1,240 and a median age of 47, the town serves the surrounding pastoral and farming communities across a vast statistical area. The local economy is anchored by agriculture, including sheep, cattle, and cereal cropping, with a median household income of around $1,197 per week reflecting the self-sufficient character of outback rural communities.

Balranald offers the essential services expected of a regional outback town — a hospital, primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, and hotel — along with recreational opportunities on the Murrumbidgee River for fishing, camping, and boating. The broader shire encompasses the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, which includes the historically significant Lake Mungo with its ancient human remains and lunette formations, drawing visitors and researchers to the region. The town has a warm, tight-knit community character typical of rural New South Wales, appealing to those who value wide open spaces, a very low cost of living, and the quietude of outback life.

Balranald falls under postcode 2715 and is governed by Balranald Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2715
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Balranald
Federal Electorate
Farrer
State Electorate
Murray
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.33°, 143.39°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
5203.74 km²
Elevation
60m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Mildura / Wagga Wagga 2-3 hours to nearest major centre

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
870 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
8-9 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 hours

🛣️ Remote rural location on the Sturt Highway; car is essential for all daily needs; nearest regional centre is Mildura (VIC) approx 160km south-east

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for local errands, but a car is essential for the broader region and any trips beyond the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Balranald, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Tooleybuc Bridge over Murray River
Main Road 222 Tooleybuc • SHR #01482
Willandra Lakes
120km north , Balranald • SHR #01010

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Balranald by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Balranald Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Balranald" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$893
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.4%

27 state housing + 7 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,343
Census 2021
1,240
▼ 7.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,004
Income 2021
$35,724
▲ 19.1% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 993
Born Overseas 91

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Malaysia 22
  • 2. India 12
  • 3. England 8
  • 4. Vietnam 8
  • 5. Chile 6
  • 6. Fiji 5
  • 7. Philippines 5
  • 8. China 3
  • 9. Indonesia 3
  • 10. Nepal 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 480
Australian 449
Irish 158
Scottish 132
Australian Aboriginal 102
Italian 64
German 33
Chinese 21
Indian 11
Maltese 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

894
Both parents born in Australia
113
Both parents born overseas
60
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
53.5%
No Religion
29.4%
Buddhism
1.3%
Islam
1.0%
Hinduism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
54 (4.4%)
5-14 years
172 (13.9%)
15-19 years
48 (3.9%)
20-24 years
63 (5.1%)
25-34 years
128 (10.3%)
35-44 years
114 (9.2%)
45-54 years
170 (13.7%)
55-64 years
202 (16.3%)
65-74 years
166 (13.4%)
75-84 years
87 (7.0%)
85+ years
44 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balranald known for? +

Balranald is known as the main service town of south-western NSW's Riverina outback, offering a base for the surrounding pastoral properties and providing access to the Murrumbidgee River for fishing and recreation. The broader shire is home to the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, including the famous Lake Mungo archaeological site.

How far is Balranald from Sydney? +

Balranald is approximately 870 kilometres west of Sydney, typically an 8–9 hour drive via the Sturt Highway. The nearest regional city is Mildura in Victoria, about 160 kilometres to the south-east.

Does Balranald have public transport? +

Balranald has very limited public transport. There is no passenger rail service; limited regional coach connections operate to larger centres such as Mildura and Wagga Wagga. A car is essential for living in and around Balranald.

What is the population of Balranald? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balranald has a population of approximately 1,240 residents, a slight decline from 1,343 in 2016. The median age of 47 reflects the older demographic common in many rural outback communities.

Is Balranald a good place to live? +

Balranald suits those who value a quiet outback lifestyle, very low housing costs, and a strong community spirit far from city pressures. It offers affordable living and access to outdoor recreation on the Murrumbidgee River, though residents must be comfortable with limited services and long distances to major centres.

What is the postcode for Balranald? +

The postcode for Balranald, NSW is 2715.