The ABC's election analyst says Barnaby Joyce has easily won the New England by-election.

Key points: Mr Joyce is projected to win a primary vote of about 64 per cent

Mr Joyce is projected to win a primary vote of about 64 per cent Win will increase the Government's numbers in the Lower House to 75

Win will increase the Government's numbers in the Lower House to 75 The Nationals are crediting a low-profile, locally focused campaign for success

Counting is continuing, but Antony Green says it is clear the former deputy prime minister will be victorious.

Mr Joyce is projected to win a primary vote of about 64 per cent, a big jump from his 52.3 per cent primary at the last federal election.

Nationals president Larry Anthony and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull have hailed the size of the swing.

"Barnaby Joyce has been elected with what appears to be a record in the history of by-elections in Australia," Mr Turnbull said.

But Mr Joyce was easily the most high-profile of the 17 candidates running, given that former member Tony Windsor chose not to contest.

Mr Joyce and the Barney Army celebrate his election win. ( AAP: Tracey Nearmy )

Coalition members will see the win as a boost for the Federal Government, ahead of the Bennelong by-election on December 16.

But Liberal John Alexander is facing tough competition in Labor candidate Kristina Keneally.

Mr Joyce's win will increase the Government's numbers in the Lower House to 75 but the citizenship saga is still playing out.

Members are set to declare their citizenship status this week and that could see more politicians referred to the High Court.

I am 'utterly humbled', Joyce says

The Nationals are crediting a low-profile, locally focused campaign for the successful result.

Some Nationals also feel that locals may have voted for Mr Joyce on principle or in sympathy because they felt the High Court citizenship ruling had been harsh.

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Mr Joyce was joined by Mr Turnbull for a victory celebration at a pub in Tamworth, where he thanked his supporters.

"I say to the people of New England, that I never take anything for granted, and for every person who voted for us and voted for us for the first time," he said.

"I just want to say how completely and utterly humbled I am."

The by-election was held because the High Court disqualified Mr Joyce from parliament for being a dual citizen.

Mr Joyce is projected to win a primary vote of about 62 per cent. ( AAP: Tracey Nearmy )

The strong result is likely to mean a speedy return to parliament for Mr Joyce, who was away while some of his Nationals colleagues went rogue.

They agitated for a banking inquiry and criticised Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull for his leadership on same-sex marriage.

The campaign has been dirty at times.

Yesterday morning, a town hall in Armidale was covered with graffiti reading, "No Barnaby Joyce".