ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Lightning Ridge is a regional centre in New South Wales, Australia, with a population of approximately 1,946, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 590 km from the Sydney CBD, Lightning Ridge is a regional area in New South Wales. The median household income is $41,184 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household earnings in Lightning Ridge are below the state average, which may affect long-term capital growth. Distance from major centres is a consideration, though regional markets can offer higher rental yields.
Map shows Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Lightning Ridge. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Lightning Ridge on My School →Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →As a regional centre, Lightning Ridge serves a wide catchment area. Regional property can offer higher rental yields than metro equivalents, though investors should assess local employment diversity and infrastructure plans. The median rent of $200/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $867/month.
Buy-and-hold in Lightning Ridge carries higher risk due to limited demand drivers and slower growth fundamentals.
Lightning Ridge's rental market is softer — budget for potential vacancy periods.
Limited buyer depth in Lightning Ridge makes flip strategies higher-risk — consider rental conversion instead.
Run the numbers on a Lightning Ridge property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Price movement in Lightning Ridge is expected to be flat to modest in 2026, reflecting broader regional market conditions. The rental pipeline in Lightning Ridge is thinner — flexible lease terms could help secure tenants faster. Lightning Ridge is not a headline market, but contrarian investors may see long-term potential.
Lightning Ridge is a regional area in New South Wales with a population of 1,946. The median rent is $200/week and the median household income is $41,184/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Lightning Ridge include regional employment hubs, lifestyle, and affordability. 52% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Lightning Ridge has a population of approximately 1,946. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Lightning Ridge is approximately 590 km straight-line distance from the Sydney CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant — local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.