Region (SA4) · Area profile
New England and North West
99,140 km²
A strong First Nations presence defines New England and North West, where 11.9% of the population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This vast region is notably older than the national average, with a high proportion of seniors and many residents owning their homes outright. While it remains largely traditional in its heritage and language, it has seen a rise in people moving here from overseas recently. It is a predominantly rural landscape of detached houses and car-dependency, where community spirit is reflected in high volunteering rates.
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The area is noticeably older than the rest of Australia, with the typical resident aged 41 and 21.2% of people aged 65 or over. This senior population is much higher than in most other similar areas.
Born-overseas residents make up only 8.2% of the population, which is far below the national figure. Most people claim Australian, English, Irish or Scottish ancestry.
English is the dominant language, with only 5.0% of people using another tongue at home—a figure far below the New South Wales average. However, this has risen since 2011.
More than half of the community identifies as Christian. While the number of people with no religion has risen to 30.9% since 2011, this is still well below the national figure.
The region has far fewer people with university degrees than the state average, at 15.1%. Year 12 completion is also much lower than most areas, though it has risen since 2011.
Typical incomes are much lower than in most other areas, with the usual household earning $1,328 a week. This is well below the New South Wales typical of $2,185.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than elsewhere, affecting 31.8% of people. This is well above the national figure, and 6.4% of residents need help with daily activities.
Residents are much more likely to volunteer than people in other areas, with 17.7% participating. This is well above the New South Wales rate of 13.0%.
With 22,058 First Nations people, this is one of the largest populations at this level. However, these residents face higher unemployment at 13.0% and lower Year 12 completion rates.
People living alone are much more common here than in most areas, at 29.9%. One-parent families are also much more frequent than the state average.
Detached houses are the norm for 89.2% of homes, far above the national average. Rent is much lower than typical, with a usual weekly cost of $270.
The region is heavily reliant on cars, with only 0.6% of people commuting by public transport. Only 15.0% of people work from home, which is well below the state figure.
While fewer people have moved house in the last five years compared to most areas, there has been a rise in recent arrivals from overseas, now making up 25.5% of the population.
Full-time employment is more common here than in most areas, at 61.8%. The workforce is largely concentrated in health care, agriculture, and education.
Population growth since 2021 has been 2.4%, which is well below the New South Wales rate of 6.1%.
The area receives 777mm of annual rainfall, well above the state average. Minimum temperatures are also a little lower than across New South Wales.
The region is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 4.0, well below the state average of 6.2. Most homes are far from groceries, health services and public transport.