🔍

Boorowa

NSW 2586 • Rest of NSW

1,888
Population (2021)
$62,348
Median Household Income
754.78 km²
Area
$245/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalTree ChangeIrish Heritage
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About Boorowa

Boorowa is a charming farming village in the Hilltops region of the NSW Southern Tablelands, situated 340 kilometres southwest of Sydney at an elevation of around 490 metres. With a population of approximately 1,900 residents, the town has deep Irish heritage, with over 40% claiming English ancestry and nearly 20% Irish roots. Established in 1843, Boorowa sits on rich volcanic soils washed down from the extinct Mount Canemumbola, supporting a thriving agricultural community.

Life in Boorowa revolves around farming, with sheep grazing, cropping, and a growing viticulture scene. The town offers a genuine rural Australian experience with historic pubs, a courthouse dating to the colonial era, and strong community spirit. Residents enjoy a mild climate with four distinct seasons and easy access to both Canberra (under 2 hours) and Sydney via the strategic Hume Highway corridor. The area attracts retirees seeking a tree change and families wanting affordable country living.

Boorowa falls under postcode 2586 and is governed by the Hilltops Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Riverina, while state elections fall under the Cootamundra electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2586
Urban Area
Southern Tablelands
LGA / Council
Hilltops
Federal Electorate
Riverina
State Electorate
Cootamundra
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.36°, 148.75°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
754.78 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
533m

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🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Boorowa for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$560K
57 sales · ▲ 6.7% vs 2024

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.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2586

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2586, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,664
Median 2023–24
$48,565
▲ 22.4% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$54,237

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2586; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$29,120
Personal Income 2021
$35,620
▲ 22.3% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 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
$35,620 / yr
$685/wk
Household
$62,348 / yr
$1199/wk
Family
$90,688 / yr
$1744/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$245
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,250
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.9%

3 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular public bus service — Young / Canberra Limited regional coach services

Commute to Canberra

Distance
110 km
By Train
N/A
By Bus
Limited coach services
By Car (Peak)
1h 20min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 15min

🛣️ Car essential - 78km to Cootamundra for nearest rail, 40km to Young

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre walkable for basics, car required for regional services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,641
Census 2021
1,888
▲ 15.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
155.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 7.4%
Motor vehicle theft
129.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
414.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
176.2 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
View all 62 offence types for Hilltops →

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,489
Born Overseas 112

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 39
  • 2. New Zealand 13
  • 3. Scotland 7
  • 4. China 6
  • 5. Greece 5
  • 6. Philippines 4
  • 7. Germany 3
  • 8. Indonesia 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 772
Australian 723
Irish 351
Scottish 185
German 66
Australian Aboriginal 63
Chinese 20
Italian 17
Dutch 12
Welsh 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,346
Both parents born in Australia
146
Both parents born overseas
101
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
60.2%
No Religion
22.9%
Islam
0.3%
Buddhism
0.3%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
113 (6.0%)
5-14 years
225 (11.9%)
15-19 years
67 (3.5%)
20-24 years
85 (4.5%)
25-34 years
181 (9.6%)
35-44 years
166 (8.8%)
45-54 years
214 (11.3%)
55-64 years
307 (16.3%)
65-74 years
291 (15.4%)
75-84 years
177 (9.4%)
85+ years
66 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boorowa known for? +

Boorowa is a small urban locality in NSW, situated within the Hilltops area. It is home to a close-knit community of approximately 1888 residents and is valued for its quiet residential character.

How far is Boorowa from Sydney CBD? +

Boorowa is approximately 233 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1h 15min drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Boorowa have public transport? +

Public transport options in Boorowa are very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to major centres are infrequent or unavailable. A private vehicle is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Boorowa? +

According to the 2021 Census, Boorowa has a population of approximately 1,888 residents. The suburb has seen steady residential development and offers a range of local services.

Is Boorowa a good place to live? +

Boorowa suits those who prefer a modest, community-oriented neighbourhood with reasonable access to local services. Its small population means a peaceful setting, though residents typically need to travel to larger towns for comprehensive shopping, medical, and education services.

What is the postcode for Boorowa? +

The postcode for Boorowa, NSW is 2586.

What is the average income in Boorowa? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Boorowa is about $685 per week (around $35,600 per year). The median household income is $1,199 per week and the median family income is $1,744 per week.

What is the median house price in Boorowa? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $560,000, up 6.7% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Boorowa? +

The median age in Boorowa is 50. The largest age group is 55–64 (307 residents, around 16%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 28% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Boorowa a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Boorowa is part of the Hilltops 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.

How much is rent in Boorowa? +

In Boorowa, the median weekly rent is $245, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,250 (2021 Census).