Council (LGA) · Area profile
Edward River
8,883 km²
A notably older population defines Edward River, where the typical resident is 46. This regional community is characterised by a high proportion of seniors and a strong preference for detached housing. While the population has shrunk by 4.5% since 2016, the area remains a quiet residential hub with a very low percentage of overseas-born residents. It is a place where many people own their homes outright and a high number of residents dedicate their time to volunteering.
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Residents are far older than the national figure, with nearly a quarter of the population aged 65 and over. This senior presence has grown since 2016, while the total population fell to 8,456 people.
The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with only 5.7% born overseas, which is far below the state and national figures. Most of these residents claim Australian or English ancestry.
English is the primary language here, with only 3% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national average, and very few residents speak little or no English.
About 50.8% of the community identifies as Christian. Those reporting no religion now make up 37.6% of the population, a figure that rose by 11 points since 2016.
Education levels are lower than the state average, with only 36.1% of residents completing Year 12. However, the proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or higher rose slightly to 12.4%.
Typical weekly household incomes are well below the national figure at $1,240. While this is lower than most areas, typical incomes across the board have risen since 2016.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 34.2% of people living with a long-term condition. This is well above the national figure, and 7.2% of residents need help with daily activities.
Volunteering is much more common here than in the rest of the state, with 20.7% of people giving their time, despite a drop since 2016.
The First Nations community is smaller than in about 56% of similar areas. Typical personal income for First Nations residents is $512, which is a little below the national figure.
Homes tend to be smaller, with just 2.2 people per household. This is partly because 33.4% of people live alone, a rate well above the national figure.
The area is dominated by detached houses, and 40.6% of homes are owned outright, which is well above the national average. Weekly rents are far below the national figure at $220.
Cars are essential, as only 0.1% of people commute by public transport. Most homes have at least one vehicle, and 67.8% of workers drive to their jobs.
The community is relatively stable, with fewer people moving in the last five years compared to most areas. Interestingly, recent overseas arrivals are well above the national figure.
Full-time employment is higher than the national average at 61.2%. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, forestry and fishing, as well as health care and social assistance.
The area has an overall advantage score of 4, which is lower than about 60% of similar areas. Population growth since 2021 has been very low at 0.8%.
The environment is quite dry, with an average annual rainfall of 411mm, which is well below the New South Wales average.
Crime rates are much higher than in most areas, particularly for assault, drug offences and motor vehicle theft. The overall recorded offence rate is significantly above the norm.
The area is only somewhat walkable, with many residents living far from essential services. Only 27.1% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services, far below the state average.