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 19,500 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,712 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,788. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,577 in June 2024 and an additional 681 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Wagga Wagga Surrounds' 9.6% growth from 2021 to February 2026 exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 55.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with interstate migration and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted for Wagga Wagga Surrounds, with an expected increase of 6,261 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 27.4% 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 seen approximately 181 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 908 homes were approved, with an additional 64 approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.2 new residents.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $321,000. In the current financial year, $35.4 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Wagga Wagga Surrounds has 9.0% more building activity per capita. The area's housing composition is predominantly detached houses at 83.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up 17.0%.

This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. With around 144 people per dwelling approval, Wagga Wagga Surrounds exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts suggest the area will gain approximately 5,337 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

In total, 71 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Riverina Water Security Project - Pipeline Extension, Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo, Glenfield Road Corridor Upgrade, and Tolland Renewal Project. The following list details those 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wagga Wagga Surrounds places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%.

There were 9,797 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was higher at 68.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance.

The area showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 3.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 13.4% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 5.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wagga Wagga Surrounds. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 that median income in Wagga Wagga Surrounds SA2 is $54,546. Average income stands at $63,930. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wagga Wagga Surrounds would be approximately $59,379 (median) and $69,594 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Wagga Wagga Surrounds cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 35.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (7,000 individuals). After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income. 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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wagga Wagga Surrounds stood at 38.9%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (19.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,490, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wagga Wagga Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,490 compared to 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% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of 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 prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.2% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Wagga Wagga Surrounds has 758 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 106 routes, offering a total of 1,700 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access 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, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 242 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The provided map displays 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~9,847 people) has private health cover, lower than 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. Conversely, 68.2% of residents declare 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. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,188 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens (90.3%), born in Australia (92.6%), and speaking English at home (95.2%). Christianity was the dominant religion, with 65.3% adherents compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 32.8%, followed by English (30.3%) and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.8% versus the regional average of 8.0%. Similarly, German ancestry stood at 4.3% compared to 3.1% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 3.6% against a regional average of 4.6%.

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

The median age in Wagga Wagga Surrounds is 36 years, significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation at 14.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that 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%. Meanwhile, 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, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 41%, reaching 3,918 people from 2,770.