Hay

Hay ranks 72nd of 128 overall in NSW, with core operations the area most needing attention.

"Outback NSW's vast flat plains — Hay, the Murrumbidgee, and endless sky"

New South Wales · rural council · Pop. 2,861

Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high

Overall Score

50 out of 100

#11 of 15 rural councils in NSW

#72 in New South Wales

Score Breakdown

CategoryScore
Sustainability44/100
Community Services63/100
Lifestyle & Amenity51/100
Core Operations40/100

What This Means For You

Among rural councils, Hay performs strongest in community services (better than 63% of peers), with room to improve in core service delivery (currently at the 40th percentile).

What Makes This Place Unique

Outback NSW's vast flat plains — Hay, the Murrumbidgee, and endless sky

Hay is a small outback town on the Murrumbidgee River surrounded by vast flat plains.

Known For

  • Shear Outback — Australian shearers' hall of fame
  • Murrumbidgee River heritage
  • Dunera Museum — WWII internment history
  • Vast flat pastoral landscape

Living Here

Very remote, very flat, very hot in summer. Strong community spirit.

Hidden Gem

The Dunera Museum — telling the remarkable story of WWII internees held at Hay, a nationally significant story.