🔍

Dubbo

NSW 2830 • Rest of NSW

43,516
Population (2021)
$87,880
Median Household Income
990.70 km²
Area
$310/wk
Median Rent
Regional HubCountry LivingFamily-FriendlyFour Seasons

About Dubbo

Dubbo is the undisputed capital of Western NSW, a prosperous regional city of over 43,000 people sitting at the crossroads of the Newell, Mitchell, and Golden highways. Elevated on the western plains at 261 metres, it experiences true four-season weather and serves as the commercial, healthcare, and educational hub for a vast rural catchment. The median income here reflects a strong economy built on agriculture, healthcare, and government services.

Despite its outback location, Dubbo punches well above its weight in amenities. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a major drawcard, while the Old Dubbo Gaol and Western Plains Cultural Centre celebrate the region's rich history. Shopping options rival many coastal cities, and the dining scene has matured significantly. Residents enjoy a genuine country community feel with city conveniences—perfect for families and professionals seeking space, affordability, and a slower pace without isolation.

Dubbo falls under postcode 2830 and is governed by Western Plains Regional Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Dubbo electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2830
Urban Area
Dubbo - West
LGA / Council
Western Plains Regional
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Dubbo
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.28°, 148.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
990.70 km²
Elevation
261m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$620K
1,073 sales · ▲ 7.8% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$322K
46 sales · ▼ 19.7% 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.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$310
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,582
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.9%

571 state housing + 183 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD 900-1200 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
Approximately 750 min to Sydney CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 300 km north-west of Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Dubbo Shopping Centre Cnr Bultje Street & Macquarie Street Dubbo 2830 NSW
  • Woolworths
    Orana Mall Marketplace, Cnr Mitchell Highway And Wheelers Lane Dubbo 2830 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 9 heritage-listed places in or near Dubbo, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Old Dubbo Gaol
215 Macquarie Street Dubbo • SHR #01689
Dubbo rail bridge over Macquarie River
Main Western railway 462.762 km Dubbo • SHR #01032
Dubbo RAAF Stores Depot (former)
Cobra Street, Dubbo • SHR #01701
Dundullimal
Obley Road, Dubbo • SHR #01497
CML Building
118 Macquarie Street Dubbo • SHR #00180
Kemwah Court
195-197 Macquarie Street Dubbo • SHR #00544
Talbragar Shire Council Chambers
Macquarie Street, Dubbo • SHR #00219
CBC Bank
110-114 Macquarie Street Dubbo • SHR #00039
Dubbo Railway Station and yard group
Main Western railway, Dubbo • SHR #01130

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
38,943
Census 2021
43,516
▲ 11.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,932
Personal Income 2021
$45,552
▲ 26.8% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$45,552 / yr
$876/wk
Household
$87,880 / yr
$1690/wk
Family
$106,444 / yr
$2047/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 35,338
Born Overseas 4,533

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 750
  • 2. Nepal 703
  • 3. England 416
  • 4. Philippines 336
  • 5. New Zealand 304
  • 6. Sri Lanka 179
  • 7. Pakistan 162
  • 8. China 153
  • 9. Bangladesh 140
  • 10. South Africa 108

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 17,540
English 15,757
Australian Aboriginal 6,428
Irish 4,690
Scottish 3,617
German 1,339
Indian 720
Italian 626
Chinese 466
Filipino 439

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

31,460
Both parents born in Australia
5,544
Both parents born overseas
2,772
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
57.4%
No Religion
27.4%
Hinduism
2.8%
Islam
1.2%
Buddhism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.7%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
3,214 (7.4%)
5-14 years
6,138 (14.1%)
15-19 years
2,512 (5.8%)
20-24 years
2,520 (5.8%)
25-34 years
6,841 (15.7%)
35-44 years
5,343 (12.3%)
45-54 years
4,893 (11.2%)
55-64 years
4,816 (11.1%)
65-74 years
3,848 (8.8%)
75-84 years
2,450 (5.6%)
85+ years
938 (2.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dubbo known for? +

Dubbo is a well-established residential suburb in Western Plains Regional, NSW, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 43,516 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of NSW region.

How far is Dubbo from Sydney CBD? +

Dubbo is approximately 300 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours 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 Dubbo have public transport? +

Dubbo is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Dubbo? +

According to the 2021 Census, Dubbo has a population of approximately 43,516 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Western Plains Regional district.

Is Dubbo a good place to live? +

Dubbo appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $49,674, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most NSW suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Dubbo? +

The postcode for Dubbo, NSW is 2830.

What is the average income in Dubbo? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Dubbo is about $876 per week (around $45,600 per year). The median household income is $1,690 per week and the median family income is $2,047 per week.

What is the median house price in Dubbo? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $620,000, up 7.8% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $321,750, down 19.7% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Dubbo? +

The median age in Dubbo is 35. The largest age group is 25–34 (6,841 residents, around 16%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Dubbo? +

In Dubbo, the median weekly rent is $310, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,582 (2021 Census).