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Merriwagga

NSW 2652 • New South Wales

124
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
906.85 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalCar-Dependent
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About Merriwagga

Merriwagga is a small rural town in the northern Riverina region of New South Wales, situated within Carrathool Shire approximately 643 kilometres west of Sydney. The town lies on the Kidman Way, roughly 70 kilometres north-west of Griffith and 40 kilometres south of Hillston, placing it in the heart of New South Wales's flat, semi-arid pastoral country. At the 2021 Census, Merriwagga recorded a population of 124 residents, making it one of the smaller localities in the region.

The surrounding area is characterised by the Merriwagga State Forest, a loosely mallee-forested landscape, and the broad plains that have supported wool and cereal farming for generations. The township, gazetted in 1924, is laid out in a rectangular pattern typical of rural NSW. Merriwagga is best suited to those who value a quiet agricultural lifestyle, with Griffith serving as the nearest regional hub for shopping, healthcare, and services.

Merriwagga falls under postcode 2652 and is governed by the Carrathool Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Riverina, while state elections fall under the Wagga Wagga electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2652
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Carrathool
Federal Electorate
Riverina
State Electorate
Wagga Wagga
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.41°, 147.65°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
906.85 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2652

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2652 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$58,414
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$65,570

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2652; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Griffith / Hillston Car most practical

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
643 km
By Train
No direct rail. Nearest train at Griffith (approx. 70 km away).
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 6.5–7 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 6–6.5 hours

🛣️ Access via Kidman Way and Mid-Western Highway. Car is essential; Griffith is the nearest service centre.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A very small rural town with minimal local services; virtually all errands require a car trip to Griffith or Hillston

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
124
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Non-DV assault
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Robbery (unarmed)
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
nc / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
View all 62 offence types for Carrathool →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merriwagga known for? +

Merriwagga is known as a quiet rural township in the NSW Riverina, surrounded by mallee woodland and pastoral grazing land. Its Black Stump Hotel is a local landmark along the Kidman Way.

How far is Merriwagga from Sydney? +

Merriwagga is approximately 643 kilometres west of Sydney, making it roughly a 6.5 to 7 hour drive. Griffith, the nearest regional city, is about 70 kilometres to the south-east.

Does Merriwagga have public transport? +

Merriwagga has no rail service and limited public transport. The nearest train station is at Griffith, approximately 70 kilometres away. A private vehicle is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Merriwagga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Merriwagga has a population of approximately 124 residents. This is down from 169 at the 2011 Census, reflecting a gradual decline common to many small inland NSW towns.

Is Merriwagga a good place to live? +

Merriwagga appeals to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in the NSW Riverina, with affordable land and proximity to the agricultural communities around Griffith and Hillston. It suits self-sufficient residents comfortable with limited local amenities.

What is the postcode for Merriwagga? +

The postcode for Merriwagga is 2652, shared with Griffith and surrounding Riverina localities in western NSW.

Is Merriwagga a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Merriwagga is part of the Carrathool 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.