# Snowy Mountains

Sub-region (SA3) · Area profile

Located in: New South Wales › Rest of NSW

Area: 14,285 km²

Daily life in the Snowy Mountains revolves around a car-dependent landscape where people live in spacious, detached homes. It is a noticeably older community than the national average, with a growing population of retirees and people in de facto relationships. The area is distinctive for its low cost of housing and a strong spirit of volunteering, creating a relaxed regional atmosphere in a cold, high-altitude setting.

## Demographics & Identity

The community is older than most, with a typical resident aged 43 and 20.0% of people aged 65 or over. While the number of children has fallen since 2011, the population grew by 9.4% to reach 20,717 people.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 20,717 | +9.4% since 2011 |
| Median age | 43 yrs | +4.9% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 3.1% | +50.9% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 20.0% | +23.0% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 16.2% | -15.7% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 14.2% | +26.1% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 28.6%, Young adults (25–44) 24.3%, Seniors (65+) 20.0%, Children (0–14) 16.2%, Youth (15–24) 11.0%

**Marital status** — Married 44.4%, Never married 37.5%, Divorced 9.6%, Widowed 5.3%, Separated 3.3%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people (13.8%) compared to the rest of the state. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, each reported by 39.8% of people.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 13.8% | +10.4% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 78.8%, England 3.0%, New Zealand 1.4%, Italy 0.4%, India 0.4%, China 0.4%, South Africa 0.4%, Philippines 0.3%, Nepal 0.1%, Vietnam 0.1%

**Ancestry** — English 39.8%, Australian 39.8%, Irish 12.7%, Scottish 12.6%, German 5.3%, Italian 2.8%, Dutch 1.7%, Chinese 1.2%, Greek 0.5%, Indian 0.4%, Filipino 0.4%, Vietnamese 0.1%

## Language

English is the dominant language, with only 6.3% of people using another tongue at home, a figure far below the national average. Only 0.7% of residents speak little or no English.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 6.3% | +21.5% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 0.7% | +18.5% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 85.8%, Mandarin 0.7%, Italian 0.4%, Arabic 0.2%, Cantonese 0.2%, Greek 0.2%, Tagalog 0.1%, Hindi 0.1%, Punjabi 0.1%, Vietnamese 0.1%

## Religion

A large number of residents report no religion (41.9%), which is well above the national figure. This reflects a significant trend, as this group rose by 21 percentage points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 41.9% | +102.6% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — Christianity 46.1%, No religion 41.9%, Not stated 9.7%, Buddhism 1.0%, Other religions 0.5%, Islam 0.4%, Hinduism 0.4%, Judaism 0.1%

## Education & Qualifications

While 50.2% of residents completed Year 12, this is well below the state average. There is a strong presence of professional qualifications in engineering and management, and the area has a very high number of schools per 1,000 children.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 50.2% | +26.3% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 18.7% | +46.1% since 2011 |
| Schools | 17 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 5.06 | — |
| School enrolments | 2,925 | — |
| Average school size | 172 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 1,009 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 50.2%, Year 10 24.8%, Year 9 or below 9.1%, Year 11 6.3%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 33.8%, Bachelor degree 20.5%, Advanced diploma / diploma 13.6%, Postgraduate degree 5.7%, Graduate diploma / certificate 3.0%, Certificate I / II 2.1%

**Field of qualification** — Engineering & related 15.5%, Management & commerce 15.5%, Society & culture 9.9%, Health 8.4%, Education 7.7%, Architecture & building 7.4%, Food, hospitality & personal services 5.2%, Agriculture & environment 5.0%, Creative arts 3.2%, Natural & physical sciences 2.4%, Information technology 1.8%

## Income

Typical weekly personal income is $825, which is about the same as the national figure. Typical household income is $1,562, and the proportion of households earning over $3,000 a week has risen sharply since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $825 | +48.6% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,562 | +61.5% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $2,067 | +64.6% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 10.0% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 18.5% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $1,500–$2,999 28.8%, $650–$1,499 27.4%, Under $650 17.6%, $3,000–$3,999 9.6%, $4,000 or more 9.0%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 35.3%, $650–$1,499 34.2%, $1,500–$2,999 16.8%, $3,000 or more 3.7%

## Health & Disability

A little more than the national average (29.3%) of residents live with a long-term health condition, with arthritis being the most common. However, only 5.0% of people need help with daily activities.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 29.3% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 8.8% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 5.0% | +8.1% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Arthritis 10.9%, Mental health 8.8%, Asthma 8.1%, Other condition 7.2%, Diabetes 4.3%, Heart disease 4.2%, Cancer 3.1%, Lung condition 2.1%, Stroke 0.9%, Dementia 0.7%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 60.0%, One condition 19.5%, Two conditions 6.5%, Three or more 3.3%

## Community Participation

Volunteering is very common here, with 20.7% of people helping out, well above the national figure. There is also a higher rate of former Defence Force members (3.6%) than in most other areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 20.7% | -19.7% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 11.0% | -6.0% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 23.0% | -11.5% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 3.6% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 20.8% | -15.2% since 2011 |

## First Nations

First Nations residents are generally older than those in the rest of the country, with a typical age of 27. They also have a much higher typical personal income ($738) and a very low unemployment rate of 5.7%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 634 | — |
| First Nations median age | 27 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 33.5% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 5.7% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $738 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,817 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 2.2% | — |

## Family & Households

Many people live alone (30.2%), and homes are generally smaller than average with 2.3 people per dwelling. This is consistent with the higher number of seniors living in the area.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.3 | +0.0% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 12.3% | -3.3% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 30.2% | +0.7% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 52.9%, Couples without children 34.1%, One-parent families 12.3%, Other families 0.7%

**Household size** — 2 people 36.7%, 1 person 30.2%, 3 people 13.3%, 4 people 12.1%, 5 people 5.3%, 6 or more 2.3%

## Housing & Dwellings

The area is dominated by detached houses (86.4%), and home ownership is very high, with 40.5% of homes owned outright. Both typical rents ($300) and mortgage payments ($1,408) are well below the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $300 | +66.7% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,408 | +8.3% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -27.3% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 24.6% | 0.0% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 40.5% | +0.2% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 86.4% | +0.3% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 76.2% | +0.6% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned outright 40.5%, Owned with a mortgage 30.2%, Rented 24.6%, Other tenure 3.0%, Not stated 1.7%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 86.4%, Flat or apartment 7.1%, Townhouse / semi-detached 5.0%, Other dwelling 0.8%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 42.7%, 4 bedrooms 25.4%, 2 bedrooms 16.4%, 5 or more 8.2%, 1 bedroom 4.9%, Studio / none 0.8%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $200–$349 39.8%, $350–$549 24.6%, Under $200 16.4%, $750 or more 6.5%, $550–$749 5.8%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,000–$1,799 37.7%, Under $1,000 24.9%, $1,800–$2,999 22.4%, $3,000 or more 9.7%

## Transport & Vehicles

Cars are essential, as only 0.5% of people use public transport to commute and very few homes have no vehicle. Public transport options are limited, with only seven routes serving the region.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 4.2% | -37.6% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 13.4% | +59.1% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 0.5% | -10.7% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 89 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 4.30 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 81.5 | — |
| Public transport routes | 7 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 59.2%, Worked at home 13.4%, Walked 6.7%, Car (passenger) 5.0%, Bus 0.3%, Bicycle 0.3%, Train 0.1%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 37.5%, 1 vehicle 32.0%, 3 vehicles 15.9%, 4 or more 10.5%, No vehicle 4.2%

## Migration & Movement

The area has seen a significant increase in recent overseas arrivals, who now make up 17.3% of the population. About 37.9% of residents moved to the area in the last five years.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 37.9% | +14.2% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 17.3% | +107.3% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

The local workforce is very strong, with a low unemployment rate of 2.8% and more people working or looking for work than in most similar areas. Many people work in accommodation, food, and construction.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% | -21.4% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 62.6% | +2.1% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 59.2% | -7.9% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Accommodation & food 13.8%, Construction 9.8%, Retail trade 9.0%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 8.6%, Public administration & safety 8.1%, Education & training 8.1%, Health care & social assistance 7.7%, Arts & recreation 5.3%, Professional & technical 3.9%, Transport & warehousing 3.6%, Electricity, gas & water 3.5%, Administrative & support 3.0%, Other services 2.9%, Manufacturing 2.8%, Rental & real estate 1.9%, Wholesale trade 1.8%, Finance & insurance 0.9%, Media & telecommunications 0.8%, Mining 0.4%

**Occupations people work in** — Managers 18.2%, Professionals 15.0%, Technicians & trades 13.7%, Community & personal service 13.2%, Labourers 11.9%, Clerical & administrative 10.4%, Sales workers 8.4%, Machinery operators & drivers 7.2%

## Economy & Advantage

Recent population growth has been slow, rising by 3.1%, which is well below the New South Wales rate of 6.1%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Population estimate | 21,352 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 3.1% | — |

## Environment & Climate

The region is much colder than the state average, with typical minimum temperatures of just 4.3 degrees. It also receives less rainfall than most other areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 576 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 18.8 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 4.3 | — |

## Walkability

The landscape is steep and car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.6. Most homes are far from groceries, health services, and schools, though many are within a 15-minute walk of a park.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 3.6 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 3.7 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 43.8% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 38.8% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 45.3% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 36.6% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 66.2% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 36.7% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 25.5 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 0 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 10.4% | — |

## Schools serving Snowy Mountains

17 schools, 2,925 students, average ICSEA 1,009.

By sector: Government 12, Independent 3, Catholic 2

By type: Primary 11, Combined 3, Secondary 3

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Snowy Mountains Grammar School | Independent | Combined | — | 469 |
| St Patrick's Parish School | Catholic | Combined | — | 457 |
| Monaro High School | Government | Secondary | — | 372 |
| Jindabyne Public School | Government | Primary | — | 283 |
| Jindabyne High School | Government | Secondary | — | 277 |
| Cooma Public School | Government | Primary | — | 238 |
| Cooma North Public School | Government | Primary | — | 227 |
| Bombala High School | Government | Secondary | — | 148 |
| Bombala Public School | Government | Primary | — | 104 |
| The Alpine School | Independent | Primary | — | 97 |

## Areas within Snowy Mountains

[Bombala](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031013/bombala) · [Cooma](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031014/cooma) · [Cooma Surrounds](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031015/cooma-surrounds) · [Jindabyne - Berridale](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031016/jindabyne-berridale)

## Nearby areas

[South Coast](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/10104/south-coast) · [Uriarra - Namadgi](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80111/uriarra-namadgi) · [Tuggeranong](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80107/tuggeranong) · [Tumut - Tumbarumba](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/11302/tumut-tumbarumba) · [Woden Valley](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80109/woden-valley) · [Weston Creek](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80108/weston-creek) · [South Canberra](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80106/south-canberra) · [Molonglo](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/80110/molonglo)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/10103/snowy-mountains