Urban Centre · Area profile
Lightning Ridge
3 km²
A far higher proportion of people identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Lightning Ridge than in most other areas, with 24.5% of the population. This community is noticeably older than the national figure, with a typical resident aged 46 and over a quarter of the population being seniors. While the population shrank by about 100 people since 2011, the area remains a distinct hub where many people live alone or in de facto relationships.
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The community is far older than the national average, and the proportion of seniors has risen 5.2 points since 2011. One in five residents is in a de facto relationship, which is well above the national figure.
People born overseas make up 15.2% of the population, which is much higher than similar areas but far below the national average. The most common ancestries are Australian and English.
English is the main language for 67.6% of the community. While 9.5% use another language at home—a figure much higher than similar areas—this is still far below the New South Wales average.
The number of people with no religion rose 16 points since 2011 to 36.6%. This is slightly below the national average, though it remains well above the state figure.
Education levels are much lower than the national average, with only 29.5% of residents completing Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 8.8% of adults, far below the state figure.
Typical incomes are far below the national average, with the usual weekly household earning $915. Only 8.9% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, though this has risen since 2011.
Health needs are high here, with 9.2% of people needing help with daily activities—well above the national figure. One third of residents have a long-term health condition, most commonly arthritis.
Volunteering fell 5.9 points since 2011 to 14.8%. Fewer people here provide unpaid housework or care for children compared to the state and national averages.
Living arrangements are unusual, as 39.1% of people live alone and one-parent families make up 26.6% of households, which is far above the national average.
Rent is very affordable, with a typical weekly cost of $200. While 38.3% of homes are owned outright, a high 38.7% of the community rents, which is well above the national figure.
Most people rely on cars, as only 1% commute by public transport. Very few people work from home (7.1%) compared to the national average of 21%.
The area is relatively stable, with 31.1% of people moving in the last five years—well below the national figure. However, recent arrivals from overseas have risen 6.0 points since 2011.
The unemployment rate is 9.5%, which is well above the national average. Only 39.3% of adults are working or looking for work, far below the figures for New South Wales.
The town is very walkable, with 96.2% of homes within a 15-minute walk of health services and 89.3% near groceries, far above the state average.