🔍

Merah North

NSW 2388 • New South Wales

129
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
593.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalOutbackCar-Dependent
Advertisement

About Merah North

Merah North is a remote rural locality in north-western New South Wales, situated in the semi-arid plains west of Narrabri and within the broader Narrabri Shire Council area. With a 2021 Census population of just 129 residents across a vast 593 square kilometres, it is one of the more sparsely populated localities in the state, where large-scale dryland farming — including wheat, sorghum, and cotton — defines the economy and landscape. The area falls within the federal electorate of Parkes and the state electorate of Tamworth.

Flat plains, open skies, and the distinctive red-brown soils of the north-western slopes and plains give Merah North its stark but memorable character. Residents typically travel to Narrabri, around 60 to 80 kilometres to the east, for schools, medical services, and shopping. The locality suits those with deep ties to broadacre agriculture and the self-reliant lifestyle of outback New South Wales, where neighbours may be kilometres apart and community connections run through local farming networks.

Merah North falls under postcode 2388 and is governed by the Narrabri Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Parkes, while state elections fall under the Tamworth electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2388
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Narrabri
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Tamworth
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.43°, 149.00°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
593.37 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2388

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2388, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,531
Median 2023–24
$55,244
▲ 43.4% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$73,877

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2388; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus services — Services available from Narrabri (~70 km east) N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
560 km
By Train
Drive to Narrabri (~70 km); NSW TrainLink Inland train to Sydney Central (~8–9 hr)
By Car (Peak)
6 hr – 6 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hr 45 min – 6 hr 15 min

🛣️ Extremely remote; Newell Highway via Narrabri is the main regional route; Tamworth (~240 km) is the nearest regional centre

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No services exist within the locality; a vehicle is essential for all daily needs, with Narrabri being the nearest service town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
129
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
406.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
265.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
586.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
7.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
554.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Narrabri →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merah North known for? +

Merah North is known for its vast broadacre farming properties on the north-western plains of NSW, producing wheat, sorghum, and cotton across a largely flat, semi-arid landscape.

How far is Merah North from Sydney CBD? +

Merah North is approximately 560 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD, a drive of around 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes via the Newell Highway through Narrabri.

Does Merah North have public transport? +

There is no public transport in Merah North. The nearest train station is in Narrabri, approximately 60 to 80 kilometres to the east, where NSW TrainLink Inland services connect to Sydney.

What is the population of Merah North? +

According to the 2021 Census, Merah North has a population of 129 residents across approximately 593 square kilometres, making it one of the most sparsely populated localities in northern NSW.

Is Merah North a good place to live? +

Merah North suits those with a strong connection to broadacre farming and the outback NSW lifestyle. It offers wide open spaces and a close-knit rural community, but virtually all services require a long drive to Narrabri or further afield.

What is the postcode for Merah North? +

The postcode for Merah North, NSW is 2388.

Is Merah North a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Merah North is part of the Narrabri 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.