🔍

Howlong

NSW 2643 • Rest of NSW

2,997
Population (2021)
$67,236
Median Household Income
156.07 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideQuietEstablished

About Howlong

Howlong is a rural town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, situated on the Murray River approximately 28 kilometres west of Albury within the Federation Council local government area. With a population of 2,997 and a median age of 49, the community reflects a mature, established character with deep Anglo-Australian roots and a peaceful country lifestyle. The town occupies a large area of 156 square kilometres at an elevation of 147 metres, and the median household income of $1,293 per week is typical of small rural NSW towns.

Positioned on the Riverina Highway with a bridge crossing the Murray River into Victoria, Howlong offers residents easy access to the larger regional centre of Albury-Wodonga, around 30 minutes away by car. The Murray River is a significant drawcard for fishing, boating, and riverside recreation, while the town centre provides essential services, local shops, and community facilities. Howlong has a close-knit rural community with strong sporting traditions, and its relaxed pace of life appeals to retirees and families looking for an affordable lifestyle on the New South Wales–Victoria border.

Howlong falls under postcode 2643 and is governed by Federation Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Albury electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2643
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federation
Federal Electorate
Farrer
State Electorate
Albury
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.96°, 146.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
156.07 km²
Elevation
147m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$569K
85 sales · ▲ 17.3% 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)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
49 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Albury ~30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
582 km
By Train
No direct train service; coach to Albury then XPT to Sydney (~7 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
30–35 min to Albury
By Car (Off-Peak)
25–30 min to Albury

🛣️ Riverina Highway provides main road access; Albury Airport nearby for flights

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; essential services available in the small town centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
183.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
168.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Non-DV assault
283 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
7.6 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
283 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
View all 62 offence types for Federation →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,777
Census 2021
2,997
▲ 7.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,768
Personal Income 2021
$34,996
▲ 26.0% 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
$34,996 / yr
$673/wk
Household
$67,236 / yr
$1293/wk
Family
$83,824 / yr
$1612/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,550
Born Overseas 260

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 101
  • 2. New Zealand 28
  • 3. South Korea 16
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. Netherlands 13
  • 6. Scotland 13
  • 7. Philippines 11
  • 8. Vietnam 7
  • 9. Ireland 6
  • 10. Malta 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,407
Australian 1,220
Irish 408
Scottish 347
German 155
Australian Aboriginal 71
Italian 63
Dutch 62
Filipino 22
Greek 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,233
Both parents born in Australia
342
Both parents born overseas
251
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.7%
No Religion
42.7%
Buddhism
0.3%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
148 (4.9%)
5-14 years
340 (11.3%)
15-19 years
140 (4.7%)
20-24 years
132 (4.4%)
25-34 years
281 (9.4%)
35-44 years
315 (10.5%)
45-54 years
335 (11.2%)
55-64 years
412 (13.7%)
65-74 years
528 (17.6%)
75-84 years
260 (8.7%)
85+ years
99 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howlong known for? +

Howlong is known for its picturesque setting on the Murray River, forming the border between New South Wales and Victoria, as well as its strong community spirit, rural lifestyle, and proximity to the regional hub of Albury-Wodonga.

How far is Howlong from Albury? +

Howlong is approximately 28 kilometres west of Albury, making it around a 25–30 minute drive via the Riverina Highway.

Does Howlong have public transport? +

Howlong has limited public transport options; there is no train service in the town, and residents generally rely on private vehicles. Regional coach services connect Howlong to Albury, which has broader rail and bus connections.

What is the population of Howlong? +

According to the 2021 Census, Howlong has a population of 2,997 residents, with a median age of 49, reflecting an older, well-established community typical of rural NSW towns.

Is Howlong a good place to live? +

Howlong suits those seeking a relaxed, affordable rural lifestyle with access to the Murray River and the conveniences of nearby Albury-Wodonga. It is especially popular with retirees and families who value community, open space, and a slower pace of life.

What is the postcode for Howlong? +

The postcode for Howlong, New South Wales is 2643.

What is the average income in Howlong? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Howlong is about $673 per week (around $35,000 per year). The median household income is $1,293 per week and the median family income is $1,612 per week.

What is the median house price in Howlong? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $569,000, up 17.3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Howlong? +

The median age in Howlong is 49. The largest age group is 65–74 (528 residents, around 18%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 30% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Howlong a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Howlong is part of the Federation 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 Howlong? +

In Howlong, the median weekly rent is $290, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).