Dubbo Regional
Dubbo Regional scores well on core operations (73/100) but only 36/100 on community services — a gap worth watching.
"Western NSW's service capital — Taronga Western Plains Zoo and wide-open spaces"
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 55,000
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
51 out of 100
#38 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#65 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 51/100 |
| Community Services | 36/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 45/100 |
| Core Operations | 73/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Dubbo Regional performs strongest in core service delivery (better than 73% of peers), with room to improve in community services (currently at the 36th percentile).
What Makes This Place Unique
Western NSW's service capital — Taronga Western Plains Zoo and wide-open spaces
Dubbo is the major service centre for western NSW — a functional, friendly regional city that serves an enormous catchment area. Taronga's Western Plains Zoo is the star attraction, and the city has solid amenity for its size.
Known For
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo — open-range zoo experience
- Major service centre for western NSW
- Old Dubbo Gaol heritage site
- Strong agricultural economy — cattle, sheep, cotton
Living Here
Dubbo offers solid regional city services at very affordable prices. The zoo is world-class. Health and education services are good for a regional centre. It's 5+ hours from Sydney — you're committing to regional life.
Hidden Gem
The Macquarie River walk through town — a peaceful riverside trail that gives Dubbo an unexpected green corridor through its centre.