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Paytens Bridge

NSW 2871 • New South Wales

109
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
246.96 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalOutbackAffordable
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About Paytens Bridge

Paytens Bridge is a small rural locality in central western New South Wales, situated in the broad agricultural plains approximately 300 kilometres west of Sydney and in the vicinity of Parkes and Forbes in the Central Western Slopes and Plains. The locality covers nearly 247 square kilometres of open pastoral and cropping country, home to around 109 residents living on farming properties. The area sits within the Orange state electorate and the Riverina federal electorate, reflecting its position in the heartland of regional NSW.

The Central West NSW region surrounding Paytens Bridge is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, producing grain, canola, cattle, and sheep across vast and gently undulating landscapes fed by the Lachlan River system. The nearby service centres of Parkes and Forbes offer residents access to schools, health services, supermarkets, and the social fabric of regional town life. The area is also home to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope — the iconic 'Dish' — a landmark of Australian science, and the vibrant annual Parkes Elvis Festival, which lends the region an outsized cultural reputation.

Paytens Bridge falls under postcode 2871 and is governed by the Forbes Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Riverina, while state elections fall under the Orange electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Forbes
Federal Electorate
Riverina
State Electorate
Orange
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.56°, 148.31°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
246.96 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2871

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2871, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$42,232
Median 2023–24
$55,428
▲ 31.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,827

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2871; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Parkes Station
30 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach connections — Parkes, Orange, Sydney Approx. 5.5–6 hrs to Sydney by rail/coach from Parkes

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
Drive to Parkes (~30 km) then NSW TrainLink to Sydney (~5.5–6 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
3–3.5 hrs

🛣️ Via Mid-Western Highway; Parkes (~30 km) and Forbes (~40 km) are the nearest service towns

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote pastoral locality with no walkable amenities; residents drive to Parkes or Forbes for all services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
109
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
570.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.6%
Motor vehicle theft
408.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Non-DV assault
677.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
21.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
1,043.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.2%
View all 62 offence types for Forbes →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paytens Bridge known for? +

Paytens Bridge is a quiet pastoral locality in Central West NSW, situated in the broader Parkes district famed for the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (the 'Dish') and the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. The area is part of a productive agricultural region growing grain, canola, and running cattle and sheep.

How far is Paytens Bridge from Sydney? +

Paytens Bridge is approximately 300 kilometres west of Sydney CBD, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Mid-Western Highway. The nearest significant town is Parkes, approximately 30 kilometres away.

Does Paytens Bridge have public transport? +

Paytens Bridge has no local public transport, but the nearby town of Parkes (approximately 30 km away) is served by NSW TrainLink regional rail services connecting to Sydney via Orange and Lithgow. A car is essential for residents of the locality.

What is the population of Paytens Bridge? +

According to the 2021 Census, Paytens Bridge has a population of approximately 109 residents spread across its 247 square kilometre area, reflecting its character as a sparsely settled farming locality.

Is Paytens Bridge a good place to live? +

Paytens Bridge suits those who value the space, affordability, and community spirit of rural Central West NSW. With the service towns of Parkes and Forbes close by, residents can access most necessities while enjoying a quiet agricultural lifestyle on the Lachlan River plains.

What is the postcode for Paytens Bridge? +

The postcode for Paytens Bridge is 2871, which covers Parkes and a wide range of surrounding localities in central western New South Wales.

Is Paytens Bridge a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Paytens Bridge is part of the Forbes 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.