Wangi Wangi - Rathmines

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's population is around 9,749 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 282 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,467 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,632 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 740 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's 3.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 52.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate 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, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 69 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines has seen around 24 new homes approved per year, with 123 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 24 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $414,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $11.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Wangi Wangi - Rathmines has significantly less development activity (71.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 467 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Wangi Wangi - Rathmines should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wangi Shores Retirement Village - Stage 3B Block K, Wangi Power Station Redevelopment, 1 Kent Place, Wangi Wangi - 3 storey apartment building (13 residences), and Rathmines Park Transformation, 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.

The employment landscape in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,618 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (58.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.4% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 1.4% alongside a 0.4% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wangi Wangi - Rathmines. 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 Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% 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 sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wangi Wangi - Rathmines SA2 is slightly lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $50,143 while the average income stands at $65,591. 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 $54,586 (median) and $71,402 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines, between the 34th and 38th percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 30.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,963 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Wangi Wangi - Rathmines, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.3% houses and 6.7% 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 Wangi Wangi - Rathmines was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 45.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.9%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,888, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.9% of all households, comprising 27.4% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

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 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (32.4%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.5% 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 116 active transport stops operating within Wangi Wangi - Rathmines comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 35 individual routes, collectively providing 280 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 23.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 40 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.

The level of general health in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,059 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 60.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,725 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is Christianity, which makes up 53.0% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines are English, comprising 33.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.1% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Wangi Wangi - Rathmines (vs 0.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.5% (vs 4.6%) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.0%).

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.1%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.3%) than in Regional NSW. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.3% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Wangi Wangi - Rathmines's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 174 people (19%) from 910 to 1,085. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.