Median house price
—
No data available
NSW · Walgett Council
Lightning Ridge, 2834
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,000
Growth (1 yr)
-1.3%
Growth (5 yr)
-4.9%
Median age
53
Median income
$792/wk
Employment rate
33.3%
Languages at home
11.5%non-English
Most common: Serbian, Croatian, German
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- National parks
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Lightning Ridge is a hillside smaller community in Walgett Council, with elevated streets and a greener, quieter pace. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many regional towns, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Strong connections via buses keep the wider area accessible. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.
Local crime has been trending higher of late. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.
The overall desirability read is below average, pulled by softer community and employment compared with similar regional towns, though growth momentum remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Lightning Ridge snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
2,000
-1.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
17.1%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#394
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
99th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
2nd
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
1/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
3rd
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 31.0/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5406th in Australia
- State rank
- 1743rd in NSW
- Peer rank
- #394 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #744 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
2,000(June 2025)
-1.3% annual · -4.9% over 5 years · 2th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- -1.3%
- 5-year growth
- -4.9%
- Change in 1 year
- -27
- Change in 5 years
- -103
- Growth rank in NSW
- 2th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~1,850), extrapolated at -1.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 1,946
- Median age
- 53
- Median household income / week
- $792
- Dwelling vacancy
- 17.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 149 of 870
- Median monthly mortgage
- $867
- Employment rate
- 33.3%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 449 / 33 / 13 (+ 156 other)
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 676
- Against the person
- 205
- Against property
- 221
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 338
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 9 residents
- State safety percentile
- 99th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +22.6%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order57
- Breach Bail Conditions61
- Domestic Violence Related Assault48
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment94
- Malicious Damage To Property67
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 790
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 3th
School list
- Lightning Ridge Central SchoolCombined · Government · ICSEA 790 · 3th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 311 students · Top SEA quarter 4%View on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Littel Diggers PlaygroupKaolin Streetkindergarten
- kindergartenkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
151 public transport stops in this suburb
- Benny Walfords Crossing, Bill O'Brien Way
- Nettleton Dr After Pandora St
- Nettleton Dr At Rainbow St
- Nettleton Dr Before Butterfly Av
- Nettleton Dr Opp Red Robin St
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
3 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Butterfly Avenue ParkPark
- Len Cram ParkPark
- Lions ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 6
- Parks (OSM)
- 6
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
- 5
- Nearest hospital
- Lightning Ridge Multi-Purpose Service (12.8 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- On site
- Lightning Ridge Multi-Purpose ServicePandora StreetHospital
- Ochre Medical CentrePandora StreetDoctor
- Royal Flying Doctor Service - Wellbeing PlaceMorilla StreetYes
- White's PharmacyMorilla StreetPharmacy
- YesYes
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 50
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 25.0
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 35° / 21°
- Rainfall
- 174 mm · ~22 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 28° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 113 mm · ~14 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 82 mm · ~10 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 28° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 103 mm · ~13 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 92 proposals
August 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces4A Barney Street Kiama - Lot 1 & Lot 3 / DP 271008Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structureLot 333, DP 1276939, 52 Border Avenue, CalderwoodUnder Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Awnings, blinds and canopies23-24/DP15347Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure46 Preston Cres LLOYD Lot 248 DP 1322215Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Residential AccommodationLOT 21A(LOT 24) and 21B(LOT25) 167 INGLEBURN ROADDetermined
July 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Crop or fodder production21/-/DP1303851Under Assessment
- Temporary building, structure or use; Camping ground41 Marius St, NORTH TAMWORTH/Part Lot 17/DP 858511On Exhibition
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation4/15/DP758803Determined
- Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure21/-/1298247On Exhibition
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure7001/-/ DP 1322519Under Assessment
- SubdivisionLOT 2 DP 234227 & LOT 11 DP 739579 43-45 HIGHFIELDUnder Assessment
- Farm buildings; Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Rainwater tanks12/DP1328252Under Assessment
- Subdivision12/-/DP251335Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home; Non-standard Housing38 FANTASIA STREET LIGHTNING RIDGE 2834Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation51 Watson Blvd LLOYD Lot 202 DP 1322215Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Awnings, blinds and canopies15/-/32355Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space33 HARLEQUIN STREET LIGHTNING RIDGE 2834Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space6 EMPRESS CRESCENT LIGHTNING RIDGE 2834Under Assessment
June 2026
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Manufactured home; Moveable dwelling; Residential Accommodation65 OPAL STREET LIGHTNING RIDGE 2834Additional Information Requested
- Subdivision235 Racecourse Road Lot 1 DP 1089791Determined
- Subdivision1-10/3/DP1611Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure9/15/DP759118Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure115/-/DP280097Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure115/-/DP280097Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure115/-/DP280097Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure70/-/DP1320632Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure77/-/DP1320632Determined
- Subdivision41A Main Road, Badagarang – Lot 1 DP 1289976Under Assessment
- Community facility; Hours of operation and trading; Other Infrastructure34/DP1083581Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Carport21/1194175Under Assessment
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structureProposed Lot 11 in Subdivision of Lot 10 DP 132576Determined
- Dwelling house; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Residential Accommodation28/DP1291430Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure15 Collins St Carcoar Lot 16 DP 758225 Section 10Determined
- Advertising and signage; Shop11 MORILLA STREET LIGHTNING RIDGE 2834Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home; Non-standard Housing; Residential Accommodation34/-/DP752264Determined
- Subdivision15 Grassbird Avenue - LOT 8001 DP 1257213Determined
April 2026
- Dwelling house; Commercial development; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Automotive/truck premises; Vehicle repair stationLots A and B DP 318836Additional Information Requested
- Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Vehicle Sales or Hire Premises15/-/DP102977Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structureLot 2 DP 817117Determined
- Business premises; Commercial development; Advertising and signage; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Hours of operation and trading3/-/SP94657Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Parkes
- Member of Parliament
- Jamie CHAFFEY (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 130,841
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.2 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 63.0%Labor 37.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 132.0 km away).
Coalition 47.5%Labor 52.5%
15.5 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +9.7 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Lightning RidgeLabor 53.9% · Coalition 46.1% TPP (2025)11.8 km away
- CumborahLabor 38.4% · Coalition 61.6% TPP (2025)48.5 km away
- GoodoogaLabor 55.8% · Coalition 44.2% TPP (2025)51.6 km away
- CollarenebriLabor 43.9% · Coalition 56.1% TPP (2025)67.4 km away
- WalgettLabor 51.3% · Coalition 48.7% TPP (2025)79.7 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 1/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
More in Walgett Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.