🔍

Alectown

NSW 2870 • New South Wales

151
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
277.14 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoric
Advertisement

About Alectown

Alectown is a small historic town on the Newell Highway in the Central West of New South Wales, located within Parkes Shire about 24 kilometres north of Parkes. Named after three prospectors — all called Alexander — who first struck gold here in the 1800s, the town was once a thriving gold rush settlement with a population exceeding 1,000. Today it is a peaceful rural community of around 150 people, its gold-rush heritage preserved in its name and scattered remnants.

The town retains a quiet, character-filled atmosphere with two historic churches still standing and a handful of long-time farming families. Residents travel to Parkes for most retail and healthcare needs, while Dubbo provides a regional hub about 97 kilometres to the north-east. Alectown sits within a productive cropping and grazing belt, and its position on the Newell Highway means through-traffic is common. It's a place where rural tradition and gold-rush history gently coexist.

Alectown falls under postcode 2870 and is governed by the Parkes Shire Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Riverina, while state elections fall under the Orange electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2870
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Parkes Shire
Federal Electorate
Riverina
State Electorate
Orange
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.04°, 148.17°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
277.14 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2870

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2870, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,063
Median 2023–24
$57,204
▲ 26.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$67,267

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2870; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
382 km
By Train
Nearest station is Parkes (~24 km); NSW TrainLink to Sydney approx. 5.5 hrs
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 4 hrs via Newell Hwy and Great Western Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 4 hrs

🛣️ Parkes is the nearest town with rail and full services

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very small rural town; car required for most needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 12 parks and reserves in Alectown.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
151
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Parkes Shire Local Government Area, which contains Alectown. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
491.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
435.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 8.0%
Non-DV assault
814.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
7 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
484.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Parkes Shire →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Alectown get its name? +

Alectown was named after three prospectors — Alexander Cameron, Alexander Patton, and Alexander Whitelaw — who first struck gold in the area in the 19th century. It was originally known as Alecs Flat.

What LGA is Alectown in? +

Alectown is located within the Parkes Shire local government area in the Central West of New South Wales.

How far is Alectown from Parkes? +

Alectown is approximately 24 kilometres north of Parkes, making Parkes the nearest town for shops, schools, and services.

Is there public transport in Alectown? +

Alectown has no local public transport. Residents rely on private vehicles, with Parkes the nearest town that has regional coach and rail connections to Sydney.

Is Alectown a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Alectown is part of the Parkes Shire LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

What is the population of Alectown? +

Alectown had a population of 151 at the 2021 Census.