Poverty and living standards in New South Wales, Australia: official figures
The 2021 Census estimated 34,982 people were homeless in New South Wales, a rate of 43 per 10,000 people (joint 3rd highest of 8 states and territories).
How many renters in New South Wales are in rental stress?
35.5% of renting households in New South Wales paid more than 30% of their household income in rent at the 2021 Census (the highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many homeowners in New South Wales struggle with mortgage payments?
17.3% of households with a mortgage in New South Wales paid more than 30% of their household income on repayments at the 2021 Census (the highest of 8).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many households in New South Wales are disadvantaged?
25.5% of households in New South Wales fell in the most disadvantaged quarter of Australian households on the ABS Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage (2021 Census), 4th lowest of 8 states and territories; a quarter of all households would be 25%.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people in New South Wales have no income?
8.5% of people in New South Wales reported no personal income at the 2021 Census (2nd highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyWhat percentage of people rent their home in New South Wales?
32.6% of homes in New South Wales were rented at the 2021 Census, and 4.5% were too small for the household (needing at least one extra bedroom).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people go bankrupt in New South Wales?
3,279 people entered personal insolvency (bankruptcy or a debt agreement) in New South Wales in 2021-22, or 40 per 100,000 residents (4th lowest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow New South Wales compares with other states
Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 (2021)
New South Wales ranks 3 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Territory | 504 |
| 2 | Victoria | 47 |
| 3 | New South Wales | 43 |
| 4 | Queensland | 43 |
| 5 | Tasmania | 42 |
| 6 | South Australia | 42 |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 39 |
Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 (2021)
New South Wales ranks 1 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New South Wales | 35.5% |
| 2 | Tasmania | 34.2% |
| 3 | Queensland | 32.3% |
| 4 | Victoria | 30.9% |
| 5 | South Australia | 30.5% |
| 6 | Western Australia | 28.3% |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 23.0% |
Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 (2021)
New South Wales ranks 5 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | South Australia | 29.1% |
| 3 | Northern Territory | 27.4% |
| 4 | Queensland | 25.9% |
| 5 | New South Wales | 25.5% |
| 6 | Victoria | 23.4% |
| 7 | Western Australia | 22.7% |
| 8 | Australian Capital Territory | 14.3% |
More on New South Wales: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · government budget · Australia
Sources
- Australian Bureau of Statistics: Census of Population and Housing 2021, state and territory results (via ABS Data by region): health conditions, education, housing costs, homelessness, disadvantage, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 7f6d87de31d5…)
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