Lightning Ridge NSW

Postcode 2834 · Walgett LGA

Lightning Ridge is a small community in New South Wales within the Walgett local government area (postcode 2834). With a population of 1,946, the suburb has a mature demographic with a median age of 53. Households earn a median income of $41K per year, with an average household size of 2 people. The most common occupations are community & personal service, managers, professionals. The top ancestries reported are Australian, English, Aboriginal Australian.

The median house price in Lightning Ridge is $52,000, having surged 21.9% over the past year. Units have a median price of $45,000. The current median weekly rent is $320. This gives a gross rental yield of approximately 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $867.

Lightning Ridge is served by 1 school, including 1 combined. The average ICSEA score is 790, which is well below the national average of 1,000. Public transport access includes 72 bus stops. Healthcare facilities include 1 public hospital. The crime rate in the Walgett LGA is higher than average at 12,498 incidents per 100,000 population.

From an investment perspective, Lightning Ridge offers a gross rental yield of 32.1%, rated as high yield. Property prices sit below the state median ($52K/$1.5M), suggesting a potential value opportunity. The price-to-income ratio of 1.3x is considered affordable. House prices have moved +21.9% year-on-year.

INVESTMENT SIGNALS
Rental Yield32.1% High Yield
Price vs State$52K/$1.5M Below Median
Affordability1.3x Affordable
Price Momentum+21.9% Rising
SEIFA INDEX (ABS)
Advantage1/10
Education1/10
Economic1/10
Disadvantage1/10
MEDIAN HOUSE
$52K
21.9% YoY
MEDIAN UNIT
$45K
0% YoY
MEDIAN RENT /WK
$200
POPULATION
1,946
DEMOGRAPHICS
Median Age53
Household Size2
HH Income /wk$792
Personal Income /wk$476
Mortgage /mth$867
CRIME (Walgett LGA)
Crime Rate (per 100k)12,498
Total Incidents687
TRANSPORT
Bus Stops72
SCHOOLS (1)
Avg ICSEA790
Total Students311
Government1
Lightning Ridge Central SchoolCombined · Government · ICSEA 790
HOSPITALS (1)
Lightning Ridge Multi Purpose Servicepublic
Data: 2025