Balranald
NSW 2715 • Rest of NSW
About Balranald
Balranald is a small rural service town and the administrative centre of Balranald Shire in far south-western New South Wales, situated on the Sturt Highway near the confluence of the Murrumbidgee River approximately 870 kilometres west of Sydney. With a population of 1,240 and a median age of 47, the town serves the surrounding pastoral and farming communities across a vast statistical area. The local economy is anchored by agriculture, including sheep, cattle, and cereal cropping, with a median household income of around $1,197 per week reflecting the self-sufficient character of outback rural communities.
Balranald offers the essential services expected of a regional outback town — a hospital, primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, and hotel — along with recreational opportunities on the Murrumbidgee River for fishing, camping, and boating. The broader shire encompasses the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, which includes the historically significant Lake Mungo with its ancient human remains and lunette formations, drawing visitors and researchers to the region. The town has a warm, tight-knit community character typical of rural New South Wales, appealing to those who value wide open spaces, a very low cost of living, and the quietude of outback life.
Balranald falls under postcode 2715 and is governed by Balranald Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray electorate.
Location
Property Prices 2025
Median sale prices in Balranald for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.
Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.
Housing 2021 Census
27 state housing + 7 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Limited regional coach services — Mildura / Wagga Wagga 2-3 hours to nearest major centre
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Remote rural location on the Sturt Highway; car is essential for all daily needs; nearest regional centre is Mildura (VIC) approx 160km south-east
The town centre is walkable for local errands, but a car is essential for the broader region and any trips beyond the main street
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Balranald Central School ICSEA 87603 5020 2222 We St
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Clare Public School ICSEA 100903 5020 6896 Booligal Road
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106 Church Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Balranald, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest 2025 rates for the Balranald Local Government Area, which contains Balranald. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.
Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
2021 Census income breakdown
Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.
Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. Malaysia 22
- 2. India 12
- 3. England 8
- 4. Vietnam 8
- 5. Chile 6
- 6. Fiji 5
- 7. Philippines 5
- 8. China 3
- 9. Indonesia 3
- 10. Nepal 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)