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

Wagga Wagga - East's population was approximately 17,214 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 293 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,921. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 16,931 in June 2024 and 229 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 318 persons per square kilometer. Wagga Wagga - East's 1.7% growth since the census places it within 2.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (4.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline overall by 1,123 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 476 people.

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 averaged approximately 53 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 265 homes approved during this period. In FY26, up until now, 43 dwellings have been approved. The area has experienced population decline, yet development activity has been adequate relative to its size, which may benefit buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings in the area is $435,000, slightly higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $17.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW and nationally, Wagga Wagga - East records approximately 63% of building activity per person and ranks at the 54th percentile among assessed areas. This is below the national average, potentially indicating established nature and planning limitations.

New building activity consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low density market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Wagga Wagga - East may 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 39 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub, Lake Albert Manors, Bourkelands Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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 assessment positions Wagga Wagga - East ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Wagga Wagga - East has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2024. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%.

As of September 2025, 8,466 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.7% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stood at 64.1%, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census data from 2016 showed that 9.0% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction sectors.

The area has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has limited presence with 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, while labour force increased by 4.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a contraction in employment by 0.5% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wagga Wagga - East's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Wagga Wagga - East SA2 had an income level slightly above the national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $56,619 and average income stood at $68,538. In comparison, Rest of NSW's median income was $52,390 and average income was $65,215. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,635 (median) and $74,610 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Wagga Wagga - East cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 33.2% of residents (5,715 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income. 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

The dwelling structure in Wagga Wagga - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wagga Wagga - East stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.9% and rented ones at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wagga Wagga - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 72.1% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Wagga Wagga's residents aged 15+ have a lower university degree holders rate (22.9%) compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (15.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 30.3%, with 11.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wagga Wagga - East has 114 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 94 different routes that together facilitate 2,534 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 272 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward using cars as the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 362 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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

Wagga Wagga - East residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis.

Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 53% of Wagga Wagga - East residents have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area's rate. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.0 and 8.9% of residents respectively. 64.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of the latest data, 21.0% of Wagga Wagga - East residents are aged 65 and over (3,616 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 had low cultural diversity, with 91.1% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home as of the latest data. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 64.0% of its population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.0%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 4.0%, Scottish at 8.4%, and German at 3.8%.

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

Wagga Wagga - East has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.6% of its population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.4%, which is lower compared to Rest of NSW. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.6% of Wagga Wagga - East's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 6.4% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Wagga Wagga - East's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 85%, reaching 907 people from its current figure of 490. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 65-74 age groups are expected to experience population declines.