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

Wauchope's population was around 12,796 people as of May 2021. By May 2026, it is estimated to be approximately 13,842, reflecting an increase of 1,046 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census. This growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,754 in June 2025 and an additional 369 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 71 persons per square kilometer. Wauchope's population grew by 8.2% between May 2021 and May 2026, exceeding the Rest of NSW's growth rate of 4.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.1% of overall population gains during this period.

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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Wauchope's population is forecasted to increase by 3,530 persons, reflecting a total increase of 24.9% over the 16-year period from May 2021.

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

Wauchope has approved around 85 residential properties annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, it approved a total of 429 homes, with an additional 35 approved in FY-26. Over these five years, on average, 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $320,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $17.2 million, showing moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wauchope has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks in the 58th percentile nationally.

New building activity consists of 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 259 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. By 2041, Wauchope is projected to grow by 3,442 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wauchope has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Thrumster Business Park, and Sovereign Place Town Centre. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 3.4%, 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. Essential services sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. As of December 2025, 6,369 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.5% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Wauchope is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses in December 2025, 10.8% of residents work from home. The key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employs 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employ just 2.4%, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Wauchope's labour force decreased by 1.1% and employment declined by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment contraction, a 0.8% labour force fall, and a 0.4% unemployment increase. 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 Wauchope's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

Wauchope SA2's median income among taxpayers was $46,739 and average income stood at $55,722 in the financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 for the same period. Based on a 10.32% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,562 (median) and $61,473 (average). The 2021 Census reported household, family, and personal incomes in Wauchope between the 19th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.7% of residents (4,249 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with the regional average of 29.9%. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wauchope, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.3% of dwellings were houses while 8.7% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wauchope stood at 41.4%, similar to Regional NSW's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wauchope's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification held by residents at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent among residents aged 15 and above, with 45.0% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.7% of these credentials, while certificates make up 34.3%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% enrolled 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 131 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 80 routes providing 726 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically located 315 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars at a rate of 96%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 103 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop. The map provided shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Wauchope is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wauchope's health profile shows significant issues based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only 47% of Wauchope's total population (~6561 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (9.8%), while 61.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Seniors make up 22.8% of the population (3154 people), with health outcomes generally in line with national rankings.

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. The dominant religion in Wauchope is Christianity, comprising 57.3% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (34.3%), English (32.9%), and Irish (7.8%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is higher at 5.6% in Wauchope compared to 4.6% regionally, Maltese is slightly higher at 0.5%, and Maori is marginally higher at 0.4%.

Wauchope's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wauchope's median age is 43, matching Regional NSW and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 5-14 are notably prevalent at 13.1%, while the 25-34 group is smaller than in Regional NSW at 10.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wauchope's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 539 people and reaching a total of 2,173 from 1,633 previously. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6%, with an increase of 108 people.