Wauchope

Wauchope 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, Wauchope's population is around 13,606 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 810 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,796 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,466 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 343 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 69 persons per square kilometer. Wauchope's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.7%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 75.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilising 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 3,975 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 28.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wauchope among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Wauchope has approved around 85 residential properties annually. Between FY21 and FY25, it granted approval for 429 homes, with a further 6 approved in FY26 to date. On average, approximately 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes was $320,000 during this period. In FY26, Wauchope has registered $17.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Wauchope has 15.0% less new development per person but ranks at the 58th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

New building activity in Wauchope consists of 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its low-density nature with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The area has approximately 259 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wauchope is projected to grow by 3,833 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Wauchope has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Fourteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Thrumster Business Park, and Sovereign Place Town Centre.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Wauchope has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Wauchope's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2021.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 6,456 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, slightly below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out, employing 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wauchope's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wauchope's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Wauchope SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,832. The average income stood at $54,332 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of NSW, which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income will be approximately $49,359 and average income around $61,183, based on a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wauchope fall between the 19th and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.7% of residents (4,177 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wauchope, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Wauchope's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wauchope stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $360 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Wauchope's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 75.3% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 34.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wauchope has 121 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of trains and buses, with 82 individual routes in total. This results in 795 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good accessibility to these services, with an average distance of 315 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 113 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wauchope is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wauchope faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% (~6,422 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (9.8%), while 61.7% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 59.9%. About 22.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,002 people), lower than the Rest of NSW average of 28.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Wauchope placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wauchope's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Wauchope, making up 57.3% of people there, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.3%), English (32.9%), and Irish (7.8%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.6% in Wauchope versus 3.8% regionally, Maltese at 0.5% compared to 0.4%, and Maori at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Wauchope's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wauchope has a median age of 43, matching the Rest of NSW figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 5-14 are notably prominent at 13.5%, while individuals aged 25-34 comprise only 10.7% of the population, which is smaller than in the Rest of NSW. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 10.5% to 11.4%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 12.4% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wauchope's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 616 people to reach a total of 2,078 from the current figure of 1,461.