Released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population has grown by 11 per cent since 2001, bringing the current total to just over 6,400.

While the complete population includes inmates inside the jail, mayor Neil Smith believes the town’s growth is a strong indicator of the town’s wider appeal.

“We’re probably on the radar a lot more for people further afield,” he said.

“It’s certainly an attractive town for tourists, and that means exposure where otherwise people may not have known we existed.”

By the end of 2017, the town’s population had increased by 97 people.

The total formulated by calculating the amount of births, minus deaths, and new arrivals minus departures. Of all the age groups represented in the town, the greatest movement exists within the 25-29 bracket.

In 2016, there were 60 new arrivals in this category, while 70 in the age coupling moved away from the town.

Similarly with the 20-24 age group, which saw roughly 110 leave and about 30 arrive two years ago. 

The main city of movement to and from was Wagga, with Sydney also contending for the top position.

“I think what’s interesting to see is that we’re really not just a population of older retirees. We’ve got a mix of demographics from all sorts of different places,” mayor Smith said.

Armed with the new knowledge afforded by the study, council will host a strategic planning day in late February to further address concerns emerging from the changing demographics.

“The way I see it going, it would be a sabbatical over a weekend to properly plan for our future,” the mayor said.

“We’ve got an opportunity now. These councilors have been here for two years, it’s time do some naval gazing, if you will, and that data will be essential for identifying what people are looking for in their community.”