Urban Centre · Area profile
Bombala
5 km²
Full-time work is more common in Bombala than in most similar areas, where 61.8% of the workforce is employed in a full-time role. The community has grown significantly older since 2011, with people aged 65 and over now making up a far above average 28.2% of the population. This shift toward an older population is mirrored in the housing, where many residents live alone and a high number own their homes outright. It is a predominantly Australian community with a strong connection to local industry.
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The population has aged noticeably, with a typical resident now 47 and the number of seniors rising 17 points since 2011. De facto relationships are also much more common here than in most other similar areas.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up only 7.8% of the population, which is far below the national figure.
English is the primary language for the vast majority, and the 3.0% who use another language at home is far below the state and national averages.
Religious affiliation remains common, with 58.3% identifying as Christian and the proportion of people with no religion sitting well below the national figure.
Higher education levels are lower than in most similar areas, with only 10.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, a figure that has fallen since 2011.
Typical household incomes are well below the national figure, with the typical household earning $1,216 a week, and very few people earning $3,000 or more weekly.
Health needs are higher here than in most areas; 7.4% of people need help with daily activities, and long-term health conditions are well above the state average.
Volunteerism is strong, with 18.5% of people volunteering, which is well above the New South Wales and national figures.
Living arrangements are distinctive, as 37.6% of people live alone—a figure far above the national average—which helps explain why the average household size is lower than most areas.
Housing is dominated by separate houses, with 43.8% owned outright. This high rate of ownership is consistent with much lower typical mortgage payments and rents compared to the state average.
Car use is essential for the workforce, as 71.2% of people drive to work and no one uses public transport for their commute.
The area has seen some movement, with 33.9% of people moving in the last five years, though the number of recent overseas arrivals has fallen since 2011.
The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, with machinery operators and labourers making up the most common occupations.
The town is considered somewhat walkable, although homes are far less likely to be within a short walk of public transport or health services compared to the state average.