Forbes vs Lachlan

Forbes and Lachlan are two regional areas in New South Wales with very different access to services. Forbes has far more homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport (65.6% compared to 27.9% in Lachlan). However, Lachlan has a far higher share of homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed (50.3% versus 35.0%) and more people within a 15-minute walk of groceries (47.0% versus 35.4%). There is also a notable gap for First Nations people; typical personal income is well higher in Forbes at $640, while the unemployment rate is well higher in Lachlan at 14.6%.

Both areas are mostly car-dependent and have similar access to schools, with about 54% of homes within a 15-minute walk. This shared experience of rural life is also seen in their First Nations household incomes, which are nearly identical. This commonality extends to the national level, as the typical personal income for First Nations people in Forbes is only a little above the national figure.