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

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Wangi Wangi - Rathmines stands at approximately 9,722 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 255 individuals (2.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 9,467 residents. This population shift is calculated utilizing the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 9,710 alongside 55 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting population density is 738 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures across areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The post-census growth of 2.7% is within 2.2 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (4.9%), indicating competitive demographic expansion. This growth was primarily supported by overseas migration, which represented roughly 53.7% of the total population increase, though natural increase and interstate migration also registered positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, substituting NSW State Government SA2 projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year for any locations where the primary dataset is unavailable. Age group growth rates from these sources are extended to cover the period from 2032 to 2041. Based on recent annual ERP statistics, the area is projected to experience growth aligned with the bottom quartile of regional areas nationwide, gaining 47 people by 2041, which translates to a total increase of 0.4% over the 16 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 records an annual average of approximately 24 new residential approvals, with 123 dwellings approved throughout the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 34 approvals registered during FY-26 to date. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, there was an average of 2.5 new residents per dwelling, pointing to steady demand that underpins property values, while new residential construction averages a value of $414,000—slightly exceeding the regional benchmark—which points to a preference for higher-quality housing. Additionally, commercial approvals totaling $11.9 million have been logged in the current financial year, indicating steady non-residential development.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, development volume in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is substantially lower, sitting 71.0% below the regional per capita average. This limited addition of new housing stock generally bolsters demand and values for pre-existing homes. This rate also falls below the national benchmark, reflecting a mature market and highlighting potential local planning restrictions. Residential building starts consist of 95.0% separate houses and 5.0% semi-detached options or units, maintaining the low-density character of the neighborhood through a focus on detached homes that appeal to buyers seeking space. The ratio of 470 people in the locality for each dwelling approved underscores this quiet, low-volume construction climate.

Projections indicate that Wangi Wangi - Rathmines will add 35 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction volumes suggest that new residential supply will easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially driving growth beyond current demographic forecasts.

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

Local infrastructure, major development projects, and planning changes are major drivers of area performance. AreaSearch has identified 7 projects expected to influence the local area. Prominent developments include Wangi Shores Retirement Village - Stage 3B Block K, the Wangi Power Station Redevelopment, 1 Kent Place, a 3 storey apartment building at Wangi Wangi containing 13 residences, and the Rathmines Park Transformation, with details on the most significant projects provided below.

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.

Wangi Wangi - Rathmines shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

The local workforce in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is characterized by solid skill levels and strong representation in essential service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.2%. As of March 2026, employed residents count 4,571, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.1% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and workforce participation lagging slightly at 57.8% compared to the regional figure of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a moderate 23.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 restriction measures.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The construction sector shows a particularly high concentration, employing workers at 1.4 times the regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing represents a minor segment, accounting for 0.4% of local employment compared to 5.3% across the region. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests a shortage of local jobs within the immediate area.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that in the year ending March 2026, the local labour force shrank by 0.4% and total employment fell by 2.4%, which led to a 2.0 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labour force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide context for future local labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate future employment trends. Although aggregate national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, individual sectors show varied performance. Applying these industry growth rates to the Wangi Wangi - Rathmines employment structure yields a projected local employment increase of 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that excludes local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Wangi Wangi - Rathmines SA2 are slightly below the national averages, with a median of $50,143 and an average of $65,591. This compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of approximately $55,318 and an average of $72,360 as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes are modest, falling between the 34th and 38th percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 30.4% of households earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,955 residents), matching regional trends where 29.9% of households fall into this same category. Residents retain 85.3% of their income for non-housing expenses, and the area is positioned in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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

According to the latest Census data, the housing mix in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines consists of 93.3% separate houses and 6.7% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates are significantly higher than the regional average at 45.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.9% and rental homes accounting for the remaining 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,888 exceeds the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent of $370 is higher than the regional rate of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs remain below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the vast majority of local households at 76.9%, which includes 27.4% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent households. Non-family households account for 23.1%, with lone person households representing 21.7% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size stands at 2.5 individuals, which is slightly 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

Educational attainment in the area presents challenges, with university graduation rates of 20.2% falling well below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This gap highlights both a development hurdle and an opportunity for targeted academic programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 32.4%.

A significant portion of the population is enrolled in formal study, totaling 24.7%. This group consists of 8.8% in primary school, 6.7% in secondary school, and 3.5% in tertiary education programs.

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

An analysis of public transport reveals 116 active stops in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines, which are served by bus routes. There are 35 distinct routes operating across these stops, providing a total of 280 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 182 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel outside the area for work, and private vehicles are the primary mode of travel for 96% of residents. Dwellings have an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is above the regional average. Additionally, 23.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may be influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 40 trips daily, which translates to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The map details the 100 closest stops to the central point of the area.

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

Health profiles in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines are generally positive, with AreaSearch evaluations showing low mortality rates and chronic disease rates in the broader population, though older and vulnerable demographics exhibit higher rates than national averages. Private health insurance coverage is slightly lower than the SA2 average, with approximately 52% of the population (~5,045 people) holding policies.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 11.7% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.6% of the population reported no long-term health conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age cohort faces notable health issues, showing higher rates of chronic illness. The area has a high proportion of seniors, with 28.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,797 people) compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW, though this group ranks lower on a national scale than the rest of the local 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 exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 88.6% of the population born in Australia, 92.7% holding citizenship, and 96.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 53.0% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

Regarding ancestry, the three most common backgrounds reported in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines are English at 33.4%, Australian at 30.1%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Notable variations in other ancestries include Welsh, which is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to 0.5% regionally; Dutch, at 1.4% compared to 1.0% regionally; and Australian Aboriginal, representing 3.5% of the population compared to 4.6% regionally.

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

The median age of 48 years in Wangi Wangi - Rathmines is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 years at 16.2%, while the 25 - 34 age group is small at 8.8% compared to the region. This 65 - 74 cohort is also well above the national share of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 7.9% to 9.7% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group has contracted from 15.7% to 13.5%. Demographic projections to 2041 indicate significant changes, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to increase by 172 people (20%) from 859 to 1,032, while the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decline.