Harden
NSW 2587 • Rest of NSW
About Harden
Harden is a small country town in the Hilltops region of New South Wales, situated approximately 330 kilometres south-west of Sydney and 130 kilometres north-west of Canberra at an elevation of 399 metres on the South West Slopes. With a population of 1,900, the town serves as the main service centre for the surrounding agricultural district within the Hilltops (Area) council. The median household income of $973 per week and a median age of 52 reflect an older, predominantly Anglo-Australian demographic typical of regional NSW towns where farming and pastoral industries have historically underpinned the local economy.
Harden is a quiet, established country town with a compact town centre offering essential services, local shops, hotels, and schools. The town has a historic connection to the railway — Harden railway station sits on the Main South line between Sydney and Melbourne — though intercity services are now limited. The nearby Murrumburrah locality effectively merges with Harden to form a single community. Wide streets, historic commercial buildings, and a relaxed rural pace of life define the town, which appeals to retirees, farming families, and those seeking affordable regional living within reasonable distance of both Sydney and Canberra.
Harden falls under postcode 2587 and is governed by Hilltops Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cootamundra electorate.
Location
Property Prices 2025
Median sale prices in Harden 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
11 state housing + 9 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- NSW TrainLink coach — Canberra / Sydney (via Yass Junction) 2 hr to Canberra / 4+ hr to Sydney
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Harden is more practically linked to Canberra (~130 km, ~1.5 hr drive) for major services; Barton Highway and Hume Highway provide regional road connections
The compact town centre is walkable for basic errands, but a car is needed for most larger shopping and services beyond the main street
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Murrumburrah High School ICSEA 9152587 Smith St
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Murrumburrah Public School ICSEA 9616386 2209 Albury Street
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Wombat Public School ICSEA 8986384 3290 Rose St
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 3 heritage-listed places in or near Harden, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest 2025 rates for the Hilltops Local Government Area, which contains Harden. 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. England 37
- 2. New Zealand 21
- 3. Philippines 13
- 4. Germany 11
- 5. China 10
- 6. Poland 8
- 7. Canada 6
- 8. India 6
- 9. Japan 5
- 10. Scotland 4
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)