Council (LGA) · Area profile
Dubbo Regional
7,535 km²
A significant number of recent overseas arrivals has shaped Dubbo Regional, with 23.1% arriving in the last five years. This is a young community where the typical resident is just 36, and children under 15 make up 21% of the population. It is a diverse area with a strong First Nations presence, while most residents live in large, separate houses. The region blends a growing population with a high proportion of full-time workers, creating a busy regional hub in New South Wales.
Household incomes here are high, yet Dubbo Regional's schools draw a notably less advantaged community.
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The area is much younger than most, with a typical age of 36. First Nations people make up 16.6% of the population, which is far above the national figure of 3.2%.
Most residents were born in Australia, and only 9.6% were born overseas, which is far below the New South Wales figure of 29.3%.
English is the main language for 82.3% of people, though the 7.6% who use another language at home is higher than in most similar areas.
The community is more religious than the national average, with 56.7% identifying as Christian and only 27.3% reporting no religion.
A quarter of the population has a bachelor degree or higher, which is higher than most similar areas, though far below the state average of 27.8%.
Typical personal weekly income is $837, which is about the same as the national figure. However, the proportion of households earning over $3,000 a week is higher than in most similar areas.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than elsewhere, affecting 30.6% of people. Mental health conditions are also more frequent, at 9.7%.
Unpaid childcare is common, with 27.6% of people providing this care, which is a little above the national figure.
The region has one of the largest First Nations populations at this level. Personal income for First Nations people is a little above the national average at $635.
Homes tend to be larger, with 2.5 people per house. One-parent families are much more common here than in most areas, at 17.6%.
Separate houses are very common, making up 85.3% of homes. Rent is much lower than the national figure, with a typical weekly cost of $300.
Most people drive to work, and very few use public transport for commuting. Only 8.8% work from home, which is far below the national figure.
The area is seeing significant movement, with 23.1% of recent arrivals coming from overseas, well above the national average.
Employment is strong, with a full-time work rate of 64.4%, which is well above the national figure of 58.9%.
The region is moderately advantaged, with an overall advantage score that is higher than about 60% of similar areas.
The area is wetter than the state average, with annual rainfall of 697mm, while minimum temperatures are much lower than in most similar areas.
Recorded offences are much higher than in most similar areas, particularly for assault, property damage, and motor vehicle theft.
The area is only somewhat walkable, as many homes are far from health services and groceries compared to the state average.