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 17,213 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 292 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 16,938 in June 2024 and 206 validated new addresses added after the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 318 persons per square kilometer. Wagga Wagga - East's growth rate of 1.7% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.5%. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains in 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group are used for all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 1,123 persons, but specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 476 people in this group.

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 approximately 53 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 265 homes were approved, with an additional 37 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $435,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen approximately $17.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW and nationally, Wagga Wagga - East records about 63% of building activity per person, placing it at the 54th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests the area's established nature and potential 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 appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. With 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 39 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the 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 those projects likely to be most 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.

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. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2024.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. As of September 2025, there were 8,466 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.7% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wagga Wagga - East was 63.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 2.4% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, and labour force increased by 4.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 above the national average according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $54,167 and average income stood at $66,030, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,997 (median) and $74,356 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wagga Wagga - East cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.2% of residents (5,714 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, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 in Wagga Wagga - East, as assessed at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.4% houses and 11.7% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Wagga Wagga - East stood at 36.3%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with mortgaged properties at 36.9% and rented dwellings at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Wagga Wagga - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, consisting of 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, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Wagga Wagga's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.4%).

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

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

Wagga Wagga - East has 93 active public transport stops, served by a mix of trains and buses. These stops are covered by 92 individual routes, offering 877 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents usually located about 273 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 125 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to around 9 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wagga Wagga - East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wagga Wagga - East faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~9,019 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 8.9% of residents respectively. About 64.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 64.5% across Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.7% (3,568 people), compared to 19.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wagga Wagga - East, comprising 64.0%, compared to 64.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.0%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.0% in Wagga Wagga - East than the regional average of 4.5%. Scottish ancestry was also slightly higher at 8.4%, compared to 8.0% regionally, while German ancestry was slightly lower at 3.8%, compared to 3.9% regionally.

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's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Wagga Wagga - East at 13.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. However, the 55-64 age cohort is less prevalent in Wagga Wagga - East at 10.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.3%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Wagga Wagga - East's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 92%, reaching 907 people from 471. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 95% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.