🔍

Alectown

NSW 2870 • New South Wales

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

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 Parkes Shire Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in 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
Elevation
0m

🚌 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.

🚔 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)

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
151
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

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.