Wagga Wagga - East

Wagga Wagga - East 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, Wagga Wagga - East's population is around 17,214 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 293 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,921 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,931 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 229 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 318 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wagga Wagga - East's 1.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 1,123 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 476 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wagga Wagga - East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wagga Wagga - East has averaged around 53 new dwelling approvals each year, with 265 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 46 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $435,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $17.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Wagga Wagga - East records about 63% of the building activity per person and ranks in the 54th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Wagga Wagga - East should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Wagga Wagga - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 39 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub, Lake Albert Manors, Bourkelands Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal, 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Wagga Wagga - East maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Wagga Wagga - East possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%. As of December 2025, 8,194 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 9.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.1% alongside a 3.4% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wagga Wagga - East. 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 Wagga Wagga - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% 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 align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wagga Wagga - East SA2 is just above the national average, with the median assessed at $56,619 while the average income stands at $68,538. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,635 (median) and $74,610 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wagga Wagga - East cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 33.2% of locals (5,715 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Wagga Wagga - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Wagga Wagga - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wagga Wagga - East slightly lagged that of Regional NSW, at 36.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.9%) or rented (26.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wagga Wagga - East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wagga Wagga - East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.1% of all households, comprising 30.7% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Wagga Wagga - East aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Wagga Wagga - East trail regional benchmarks, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 114 active transport stops operating within Wagga Wagga - East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 94 individual routes, collectively providing 2,534 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 272 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 362 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Wagga Wagga - East'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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Wagga Wagga - East residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~9,175 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.0% and 8.9% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,616 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Wagga Wagga - East is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wagga Wagga - East was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.1% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wagga Wagga - East is Christianity, which makes up 64.0% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wagga Wagga - East are Australian, comprising 30.5% of the population, English, comprising 30.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.0% of Wagga Wagga - East (vs 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 8.4% (vs 8.0%) and German at 3.8% (vs 3.1%).

Wagga Wagga - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 38, Wagga Wagga - East is notably under the Regional NSW figure of 43 but is equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 13.6% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Wagga Wagga - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 85% (416 people), reaching 907 from 490. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.