🔍

Kandos

NSW 2848 • Rest of NSW

1,263
Population (2021)
$23,764
Median Income
39.91 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordableQuietSemi-Rural

About Kandos

Kandos is a small rural town in the Mid-Western Region of New South Wales, located approximately 220 kilometres north-west of Sydney at an elevation of 633 metres within the Mid-Western Regional Council area. With a population of 1,263, the town has a median age of 54 and a median household income of $677 per week — among the lower ranges in regional NSW — reflecting economic challenges that emerged following the downturn of its once-dominant cement industry. The community includes a notable Aboriginal population, with around 9% of residents identifying as Indigenous.

Kandos developed around the Kandos cement works, which was a major regional employer for much of the 20th century, and the town retains a strong industrial heritage character. The surrounding landscape is a highlight: the nearby Capertee Valley, recognised as one of the world's widest canyons, offers spectacular scenery and birdwatching, while the Mudgee wine region lies approximately 50 kilometres to the north-west. Local facilities include a primary and secondary school, community clubs, and basic retail, with the adjacent town of Rylstone providing additional services.

Kandos falls under postcode 2848 and is governed by Mid-Western Regional Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bathurst electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2848
Urban Area
Mudgee
LGA / Council
Mid-Western Regional
Federal Electorate
Calare
State Electorate
Bathurst
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.86°, 149.97°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
39.91 km²
Elevation
633m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach — Lithgow / Mudgee 60-90 min to Lithgow

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
220 km
By Train
No direct train; coach to Lithgow then train to Sydney (~4-5 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 45 min - 3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr

🛣️ Access via Castlereagh Highway; Lithgow is the nearest major rail-connected town (~100km south-east)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Basic town centre amenities are accessible on foot, but a car is essential for most errands and travel beyond the town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 3 heritage-listed places in or near Kandos, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Lue Railway Station group
Wallerawang-Gwabegar railway, Lue • SHR #01183
Bridge View Inn
28-30 Louee Street Rylstone • SHR #00438
Rylstone Railway Station and yard group
Wallerawang-Gwabegar railway, Rylstone • SHR #01240

🔍 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 Kandos by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Kandos Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$867
Avg Household Size
1.8 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.6%

23 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,315
Census 2021
1,263
▼ 4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$21,840
Income 2021
$23,764
▲ 8.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 980
Born Overseas 118

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 33
  • 2. New Zealand 10
  • 3. Italy 8
  • 4. Malta 7
  • 5. Thailand 6
  • 6. Fiji 5
  • 7. Germany 5
  • 8. Netherlands 5
  • 9. Philippines 4
  • 10. Vietnam 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 508
English 499
Irish 112
Scottish 104
Australian Aboriginal 103
German 55
Italian 20
Chinese 17
Maltese 16
Dutch 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

841
Both parents born in Australia
157
Both parents born overseas
109
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.4%
No Religion
30.2%
Buddhism
1.0%
Islam
0.7%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
44 (3.5%)
5-14 years
134 (10.6%)
15-19 years
66 (5.2%)
20-24 years
50 (4.0%)
25-34 years
84 (6.7%)
35-44 years
88 (7.0%)
45-54 years
167 (13.2%)
55-64 years
218 (17.3%)
65-74 years
206 (16.3%)
75-84 years
161 (12.7%)
85+ years
40 (3.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kandos known for? +

Kandos is known for its industrial heritage linked to the former Kandos cement works, and for its proximity to the spectacular Capertee Valley — one of the world's widest canyons and a world-class birdwatching destination. The town is also near the popular Mudgee wine region.

How far is Kandos from Sydney? +

Kandos is approximately 220 kilometres north-west of Sydney, a drive of around 2.5-3 hours via the Great Western Highway and Castlereagh Highway.

Does Kandos have public transport? +

Kandos has very limited public transport, with NSW TrainLink coach services providing connections to Lithgow and Mudgee. There is no rail service to Kandos; a private vehicle is essential for most travel.

What is the population of Kandos? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kandos has a population of 1,263 residents. The town has seen a slight decline in population since 2016 and has a median age of 54.

Is Kandos a good place to live? +

Kandos suits those seeking an affordable rural lifestyle in scenic surroundings, with access to natural attractions like the Capertee Valley and the Mudgee wine region. It offers basic local services and a tight-knit community, but requires a car for most needs and is best suited to those comfortable with remote rural living.

What is the postcode for Kandos? +

The postcode for Kandos, New South Wales is 2848.