Mount Druitt - Whalan

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Druitt - Whalan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Mount Druitt - Whalan's population is 24,275 as of Nov 2025. This shows an increase of 1,357 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,918. The growth is inferred from ABS data: 24,212 in June 2024 and 294 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 2,793 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. Mount Druitt - Whalan's 5.9% growth since 2021 exceeds its SA3 area's 3.1%, indicating strong regional leadership. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.9% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by just below the median of national statistical areas, adding 3,045 persons, reflecting a 12.1% total increase over 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Druitt - Whalan recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Druitt - Whalan has averaged approximately 56 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 283 homes. As of FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has increased to 7.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. The average construction value of development projects is $312,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

In FY-26, there have been $38.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Mount Druitt - Whalan maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Sydney, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This is below the national average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 424 people per dwelling approval, Mount Druitt - Whalan shows a developed market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 2,940 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Mount Druitt - Whalan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Mount St Mount Druitt, Expanded Mount Druitt PCYC, Renewed Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, and Universal Property Group's development at 6-10 Mount Street. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market performance in Mount Druitt - Whalan lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Mount Druitt - Whalan has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 12.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%.

As of June 2025, 9,978 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 8.7%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 48.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.2 times the regional level).

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4% and labour force grew by 6.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and unemployment rise slightly to 4.5%. State-level data from Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Druitt - Whalan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Mount Druitt - Whalan SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,913 and an average of $52,802 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,955 (median) and $59,460 (average), based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 28th percentile ($1,392 weekly) and personal income at the 9th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that 33.3% of the population (8,083 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile.

Mount Druitt - Whalan displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mount Druitt - Whalan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 57.9% houses and 42.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 80.7% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Druitt - Whalan was 20.0%, with the rest either mortgaged (28.3%) or rented (51.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, below Sydney metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent was $345, compared to Sydney metro's $350. Nationally, Mount Druitt - Whalan's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Mount Druitt - Whalan has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 16.0% couples without children, and 17.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

Educational outcomes in Mount Druitt - Whalan fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 24.3%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is high at 36.0%, with 12.9% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Mount Druitt - Whalan has 136 active public transport stops. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 63 individual routes operating in the area, collectively providing 12,314 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, averaging 1,759 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Druitt - Whalan's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mount Druitt - Whalan residents show relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population but higher than national averages in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% (11,336 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 7.3 and 6.9% respectively. 73.0% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 71.2%. As of 2021, 12.9% (3,129 people) are aged 65 and over, presenting specific health challenges requiring additional attention.

Mount Druitt - Whalan is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Druitt-Whalan is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 50.3% of its population born overseas and 56.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Mount Druitt-Whalan, comprising 52.6% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented, making up 21.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 13.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (32.8%), Australian (14.6%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Filipino (9.3%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 10.3%, while Samoan (3.4%) and Lebanese (1.7%) also have higher representation than their respective regional averages.

Mount Druitt - Whalan's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Mount Druitt - Whalan has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Mount Druitt - Whalan has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population share of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.6% to 14.6%, while the share of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 14.5% to 13.6%. By 2041, Mount Druitt - Whalan's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to see the strongest growth, increasing by 71% to reach 1,681 residents. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to comprise 51% of this growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.