Urban Centre · Area profile
Gilgandra
11 km²
A typical weekly household income of $1,022 makes Gilgandra an area where residents earn far below the national figure. The community has grown significantly, with the population more than doubling since 2011 to reach 2,417 people. It is a place with a strong Indigenous presence and a noticeably aging population, as over a quarter of residents are now seniors. These factors combine to create a town with distinct social needs and a lower cost of living than most of the state.
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has risen sharply to 20.2%, which is far above the national figure. The community is also aging, with a typical resident now 47 and 26.5% of people aged 65 or over.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up only 3.8% of the population, which is among the lowest for similar areas.
English is the primary language here, with only 2.3% of people using another language at home, a figure far below the New South Wales average.
Christianity is the most common faith at 58.4%, while 27.8% of residents report having no religion, which is much lower than most other areas.
Educational attainment is much lower than the state average, with only 7.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and 27.5% having completed Year 12.
Weekly incomes are far below the national average, with only 6.2% of households earning $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 36.1% of people having a long-term condition and 10.1% needing help with daily activities.
Volunteering is relatively high at 17.4%, which is well above the national figure, although the number of people caring for children unpaid has fallen since 2011.
Living arrangements are quite varied, with 35.5% of people living alone and a very high proportion of one-parent families at 30.5%.
Housing is very affordable, with a typical weekly rent of $203 and monthly mortgage payments far below the state average. Most people live in separate houses, and 37.6% own their home outright.
Cars are the main way to get around, though 8.9% of homes have no vehicle, which is higher than most similar areas.
The area is relatively stable as fewer people have moved in the last five years compared to the rest of the country, despite a high number of recent overseas arrivals.
Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to the state average, and the unemployment rate of 7.2% is a little above the national figure.
The town is somewhat walkable, with many residents living within a 15-minute walk of health services, groceries, and parks.