St Johns Park - Wakeley

St Johns Park - Wakeley is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Johns Park - Wakeley's population is around 11,346 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,197 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,178 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,142 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 109 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 496 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in St Johns Park - Wakeley, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

St Johns Park - Wakeley has recorded around 26 residential properties granted approval per year, with 133 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $189,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $6.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Sydney, St Johns Park - Wakeley records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 542 people per approval, St Johns Park - Wakeley indicates a mature market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, St Johns Park - Wakeley should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

St Johns Park - Wakeley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Villawood Town Centre Renewal, 239 Canley Vale Road Development, Bonnyrigg Estate Renewal - Humphries Precinct (Canvas), and Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 employment landscape in St Johns Park - Wakeley shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

St Johns Park - Wakeley possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and 6.1% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,819 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (53.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 6.5% of St Johns Park - Wakeley's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1% and the labour force increased by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within St Johns Park - Wakeley. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St Johns Park - Wakeley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the St Johns Park - Wakeley SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $50,347 while the average income stands at $62,320. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,808 (median) and $67,842 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 3rd percentile ($492 weekly), while household income performs better at the 38th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.3% of the community (3,437 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile.

St Johns Park - Wakeley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within St Johns Park - Wakeley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within St Johns Park - Wakeley was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 47.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (22.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,065, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, St Johns Park - Wakeley's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

St Johns Park - Wakeley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 86.0% of all households, comprising 45.3% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

St Johns Park - Wakeley faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.3%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational pathways account for 24.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 70 active transport stops operating within St Johns Park - Wakeley, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 47 individual routes, collectively providing 1,781 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 32.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 254 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Johns Park - Wakeley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for St Johns Park - Wakeley residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,718 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and diabetes, impacting 7.5 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 73.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 24.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,830 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

St Johns Park - Wakeley is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

St Johns Park - Wakeley is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 60.2% of its population born overseas and 78.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in St Johns Park - Wakeley is Christianity, which makes up 55.9% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 24.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Johns Park - Wakeley are Other, comprising 30.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%, Vietnamese, comprising 18.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.8%, and Chinese, comprising 15.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of St Johns Park - Wakeley (vs 0.7% regionally), Serbian at 2.6% (vs 0.5%) and Spanish at 1.0% (vs 0.6%).

St Johns Park - Wakeley's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in St Johns Park - Wakeley is significantly above Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 13.4% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for St Johns Park - Wakeley. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 119% (400 people), reaching 739 from 338. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.