Wellington

Wellington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wellington's population is around 9,222 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 453 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,769 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,122 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Wellington's 5.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 43.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 631 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wellington, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Wellington has averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 92 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data reveals this has increased to 10.7 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New properties are constructed at an average value of $329,000. Additionally, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Wellington records markedly lower building activity (64.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1074 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Wellington will gain 531 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Wellington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 34 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wellington Roads To Home Project Nanima Village, Wellington Battery Energy Storage System, Orana Battery Energy Storage System, and Wellington North Solar Farm, 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 Wellington presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Wellington possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. As of December 2025, 3,359 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (46.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level. In contrast, manufacturing employs just 2.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.3% combined with employment decreasing by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wellington SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $45,471 while the average income stands at $50,941. 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 $49,500 (median) and $55,454 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wellington all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 27.3% of locals (2,517 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Wellington, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.5% 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 Wellington was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 42.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (27.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wellington's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wellington features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 22.1% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Wellington faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (34.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 323 active transport stops operating within Wellington, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 1,038 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 148 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Wellington is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Wellington, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,251 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.9% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% 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 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,917 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wellington was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.6% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wellington is Christianity, which makes up 65.6% 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 Wellington are Australian, comprising 31.3% of the population, English, comprising 28.6% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 15.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is notably overrepresented at 7.8% of Wellington (vs 8.8% regionally) and French at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).

Wellington's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Wellington's median age is somewhat lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 yet modestly exceeds the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 6.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.6% to 12.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Wellington's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 15%, adding 176 residents to reach 1,353. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.