Wagga Wagga Surrounds

Wagga Wagga Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wagga Wagga Surrounds's population is around 19,500 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,712 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,788 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,577 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 681 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Wagga Wagga Surrounds's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 55.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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 utilizing 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. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 6,261 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 27.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wagga Wagga Surrounds was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has experienced around 181 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 908 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 83 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $321,000. Additionally, $35.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Wagga Wagga Surrounds has 109.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity consists of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 144 people per dwelling approval, Wagga Wagga Surrounds shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Wagga Wagga Surrounds will gain 5,337 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 71 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Riverina Water Security Project - Pipeline Extension, Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo, Glenfield Road Corridor Upgrade, and Tolland Renewal Project, 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 reveals Wagga Wagga Surrounds significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Wagga Wagga Surrounds features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. As of December 2025, 9,492 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.4% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9% alongside a 3.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wagga Wagga Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% 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 Surrounds SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $54,546 while the average income stands at $63,930. 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 $59,379 (median) and $69,594 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wagga Wagga Surrounds cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.9% of the community (7,000 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wagga Wagga Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.7% houses and 3.2% 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 Surrounds was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 38.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (19.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,490, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wagga Wagga Surrounds'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 Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.7% of all households, comprising 34.7% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Wagga Wagga Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.2%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 758 active transport stops operating within Wagga Wagga Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 106 individual routes, collectively providing 1,700 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 248 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 15.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 242 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,847 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.6% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 68.2% declared themselves as 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 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,188 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wagga Wagga Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 65.3% of people in the area. 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 Surrounds are Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, English, comprising 30.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.8% of Wagga Wagga Surrounds (vs 8.0% regionally), German at 4.3% (vs 3.1%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.6% (vs 4.6%).

Wagga Wagga Surrounds's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Wagga Wagga Surrounds is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.2% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 13.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wagga Wagga Surrounds. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 41% (1,147 people), reaching 3,918 from 2,770.