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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds' population is approximately 19,002 as of May 2026. From the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,788, there has been an increase of 1,214 people (6.8%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,749 in June 2025 and an additional 681 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2.0 persons per square kilometer. Wagga Wagga Surrounds' growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA4 region (2.2%). Natural growth contributed approximately 62.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas and interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the population is forecasted to increase by 5,542 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 27.8% over the 16-year period.

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 seen approximately 181 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25908 homes were approved, with 164 more in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over the past five financial years attracted an average of 2.2 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $321,000. This year, $35.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wagga Wagga Surrounds has 105% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed recently.

Detached houses make up about 83% of new building activity, with medium and high-density housing comprising the remaining 17%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. With around 144 people per dwelling approval, Wagga Wagga Surrounds exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate an addition of 5,288 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 71 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Riverina Water Security Project - Pipeline Extension, Inland Rail from Albury to Illabo, Glenfield Road Corridor Upgrade, and Tolland Renewal Project. The following list details those most likely 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 analysis reveals Wagga Wagga Surrounds significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Wagga Wagga Surrounds had an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of December 2025. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. There were 9,492 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2 percentage points below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Wagga Wagga Surrounds was 66.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home by December 2025. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.4 times the regional level), public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance (13.4%). 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.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wagga Wagga Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023 shows median income in Wagga Wagga Surrounds SA2 is $54,546. Average income stands at $63,930. Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. With Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $60,175 (median) and $70,528 (average). Census 2021 data shows Wagga Wagga Surrounds' incomes cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income band captures 35.9% of residents (6,821 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Wagga Wagga Surrounds' 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 in Wagga Wagga Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wagga Wagga Surrounds was at 38.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (19.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,490, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wagga Wagga Surrounds was $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 75.7 percent of all households, including 34.7 percent couples with children, 31.2 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.3 percent, with lone person households at 21.5 percent and group households comprising 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 20.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 31.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% 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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has 758 active public transport stops, including trains and buses. These are serviced by 106 routes, providing 1,700 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 248 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 87%, while 10% walk. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.9, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, which 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 map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,596 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,215 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 65.3% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.8%), English (30.3%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 8.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.0%. German representation was also higher at 4.3% versus 3.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation was lower at 3.6% compared to 4.6%.

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

The median age in Wagga Wagga Surrounds is 36 years, which is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.7% of the population compared to Regional NSW, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 5.1%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.7% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Wagga Wagga Surrounds. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 42%, adding 1,085 people and reaching a total of 3,679 from its current figure of 2,593.